58 THE QUEENS COURIER • MARCH 1, 2018 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
coping with death
Questions and answers about cemeteries
New York cemeteries that are incorporated
under New York State law are regulated
by the state. Th e state has no jurisdiction
over religious, municipal, private
(or family) and national cemeteries.
Even though the following information
applies only to regulated cemeteries,
these questions should be considered
when a consumer is negotiating
for a cemetery plot not subject to state
regulations. Before making any commitment,
ask whether or not the cemetery
is regulated by the state. Make a
list of questions, and carefully review
any documents or contracts before
signing.
What documents should a
consumer expect to review?
When you purchase a lot or crypt, you
should receive a deed, contract or receipt
showing your lot ownership and a copy of
the cemetery’s rules and regulations. You
are entitled to attend and vote at the cemetery’s
lot owners meeting which is held
annually.
Can I choose the fi nal disposition
of my remains such as burial,
cremation and entombment?
Yes. We recommend that you prepare
written instructions explaining your
wishes or make sure that your wishes are
observed by preplanning all the aspects of
your funeral.
Can a cemetery refuse burial?
Yes, but only under conditions involving
nonpayment.
Can I be buried on private
property?
Check with your local government offi -
cials if you wish to be buried on private
property as there are no state rules concerning
this burial option.
Is a concrete vault or grave
liner required for burial?
An incorporated cemetery may
require the use of a burial vault. In the
event that this requirement conflicts
with one’s religious beliefs, it will be
waived.
What are service charges?
Service charges are fees levied by cemeteries
for performing any service aft er
the purchase of the grave or lot. Th e
Cemetery Board must approve any service
charge increases proposed by regulated
cemeteries, and notice of these
approved charges are available to consumers
at the cemetery offi ce. Some
cemeteries have an approved, voluntary
perpetual care charge. Other cemeteries
may accept perpetual care gift s
or bequests. In any event, a cemetery
cannot refuse burial for nonpayment of
perpetual care.
Can I sell my cemetery lot?
If there are any burials (bodies or cremated
remains) in the lot, it cannot be
sold. If there are no burials, you must
fi rst off er the lot back to the cemetery
under certain conditions spelled out by
the Division of Cemeteries.
For more information about cemeteries,
contact:
NYS Department of State - Division of
Cemeteries
41 State Street
Albany, NY 12231-0001
518-474-6226 - or, in New York City,
212-417-5713
NYS Division of Cemeteries
Th e important thing to remember is
to ask questions to get the information
you need to make an informed consumer
decision about your burial plans, and
to get everything in writing.
Courtesy of NYS Funeral Directors
Association