Do I own the land my gravesite is on? Can I return space I don't need? What is perpetual care? What kind of care will my site receive? How can I decorate my site? Is the cemetery liable for weather damage or vandalism?

Do I own the land my gravesite is on?
The cemetery owns the land, and you own the burial right.

When you purchase cemetery property you receive a certificate that entitles you to the perpetual use of the space for the purpose of burying human remains. This is known as the burial right. The burial right allows you to dictate how the space will be used and these wishes, if filed with the cemetery, will be carried out even after your death.

It is very important to make your wishes known, especially if your site has three or more spaces. If you don't and you die, the matter of who has a right to the space can get very complicated.

Can I return space I don't need?
Yes, the cemetery reserves the first right to repurchase the cemetery property for the original purchase price less perpetual care charges, sales commissions plus 2 percent simple interest. Any monument or memorial installed must be removed at your expense.

What is perpetual care?
Perpetual (or endowment) care cemeteries are those that provide for the maintenance of the cemetery-grass cutting, landscaping, building and road repairs-by setting aside a portion of the purchase price of each plot for a trust fund. The interest from that fund pays for the upkeep of the cemetery.

Most cemeteries are required by law to have a perpetual care fund, but some types-church cemeteries and small, private cemeteries-are exempt. In these cases upkeep is paid for by family members, church donations or taxes, or is not done at all.

What kind of care will my site receive?
The cemetery will fill in sunken graves with topsoil and plant and cut grass. It will not repair gravestones, monuments or memorials or plant flowers or ornamental plants unless you establish an endowment.

You may plant annuals within 18 inches of any memorial as long as you assume full responsibility for their care and understand that the cemetery is not liable if they're damaged or lost. If your site contains two or more spaces you may also plant one shrub (maximum growth of 30 inches) on each side of a monument with the permission of cemetery management.

How can I decorate my site?
You can plant flowers and shrubs (see above) or place cut flowers in nonbreakable receptacles. Wilted flowers must be removed. Artificial decorations are permitted in the winter (from November 1 to March 1) if the cemetery approves them. No balloons or plastic ornaments are allowed at any time.

Is the cemetery liable for weather damage or vandalism?
The cemeteries are insured in the case of storm damage. We can reset monuments that become unsettled over time or are vandalized. Families may obtain additional insurance through their own carrier.