Disinterment and Reinterment
What is Disinterment?
Disinterment means the removal of human remains from a place of burial. This is sometimes referred to as “exhumation.”
What is Reinterment?
Reinterment is the act of burying the human remains again, either in the same place or a different location, after they have been disinterred.
Example:
If a family moves and wants to relocate a loved one’s remains to a new cemetery closer to home, the remains must be disinterred from the original site and then reinterred in the new location, with proper permits.
Under Michigan’s Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978, Section 333.2853), a permit is required before any disinterment and reinterment of human remains can take place, except when ordered by a court.
How to Apply:
- A funeral director must complete and submit an Affidavit for Disinterment and Reinterment, and pay the permit fee of $72.00.
- Barry-Eaton District Health Department issues the permit upon review/approval from the Health Officer.
Records and Retention
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The original application must be kept on file by the issuing authority.
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A copy of the issued permit becomes a permanent public record.
Court-Ordered Disinterments
If needed, individuals may file a petition with the court to request a disinterment order.
[Page last updated: 6/11/2025]