What do cemeteries do with unused plots?

What do cemeteries do with unused plots?

In addition to retaining the rights to reclaim an unused plot, some cemeteries may choose to reclaim plots that have been used. This is usually after several decades and depends on the cemetery.

When does ownership go back to the cemetery?

Usually, forever. But check into cemetery regulations. In some cases, ownership reverts back to the cemetery after a long period of inactivity (usually 50 years or so). What’s the Average Size of a Burial Plot?

What do you need to know about cemetery plots?

Sometimes a family purchases an area within the cemetery to use for burial of family members. This area is generally marked by a large headstone with the family name engraved on it. Or they might simply purchase a row of plots to be reserved for their loved ones.

Can a funeral home purchase a burial plot?

After a death, the funeral home may purchase a burial plot on your behalf. The price of a burial plot cannot be guaranteed, as prices often change. To lock in prices and to reduce the financial burden on your loved ones, it is a good idea to pre-purchase a burial plot.

Who is the owner of a cemetery plot?

The Role of Cemetery Management. Owning the deed to a cemetery plot does not make you the owner. Instead, it simply gives you a right to use the plot. In most cases, the cemetery management company remains the owner of the plot itself, so reviewing the company’s rules and regulations is critically important.

Can a church own a cemetery in Ohio?

Cemetery Registration According to Ohio law, no person, church, religious society, established fraternal organization, or political subdivision of the state shall own, operate, or maintain a cemetery unless the cemetery is registered with the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.

What to do when you sell a cemetery plot?

When you opt to sell your cemetery plot, talk to the management of the cemetery first. A handful of cemeteries, particularly those owned by religious organizations, fall outside of state and local laws, and may establish their own procedures for buying, selling, and transferring land.

How are cemetery plots different from other real estate?

For this reason, most states treat cemetery plots a bit differently from other forms of real estate, limiting the circumstances under which they can be bought or sold, controlling who can buy or sell the plots, or establishing protocols to ensure people have equal access to particularly desirable plots.