Grave deeds, ownership and transfer of title
Grave ownership and transfer of title
The person whose name appears on the Deed of Grant as the registered grave owner is the only person who can authorise things like reopening of the grave for further burials, the erection of a permanent memorial, and the cutting of inscriptions on it. When the registered owner dies, the title to the grave passes to their executors or administrator or, if there are none, to their next of kin.
The registered owner (or their executors/administrator after the owner’s death) can transfer the Grave Deed to another person, although such a transfer is only valid if registered at the cemetery office, from where you can get advice on the procedure and the necessary forms.
Transfer of ownership
Grave owners are advised to make a Will, as this will mean a transfer can take place according to their wishes. If no Will was left, please contact the Cemetery offices for advice on how ownership can be transferred.
The erection of a permanent memorial on a grave, and the inscriptions on that memorial, can only be authorised by the Registered Grave Owner. When the Registered Grave Owner dies, the title of the grave passes to the executors or administrator of their estate. If no executor or administrator has been appointed the title passes to his or her next of kin.
Transfers of Title are not valid unless they have been registered at a cemetery office, from where you can get advice on the procedure, and the relevant forms. In cases where there are no executors to the estate, the transfer can then only take place if all siblings of the Registered Grave Owner are in agreement for one member of their family to take ownership of the grave.
Misplaced deeds
We do not issue duplicate deeds. If you misplace your grave deeds you should inform the Cemetery Office to discuss it.