Plot Purchase

Plot Purchase

All ground in the cemetery is consecrated and only plots in Section E and F may be purchased. Before purchasing a grave you should decide whether you would like a single or double depth plot and what type of interment will take place in it (coffin or casket). Plots may be reserved upon request. When purchasing a plot at Much Wenlock Cemetery you are buying the Exclusive Rights of Burial for a period of 99 years for which you will receive a Deed of Grant. The Town Council’s records contain details of all registered grave owners but it is important that each grave owner keeps their Deed of Grant document in a safe place, as proof of ownership. Possession of the Deed does not in itself signify ownership of the Exclusive Rights.

Plot Purchase Form


Extending Ownership

Exclusive Rights may be renewed for a further term towards the end of the lease, but the further term must not exceed 99 years.


Transfer of Grave Ownership

If the Exclusive Rights of Burial are transferred, it is only for the remaining time of the lease period.

A transfer of the rights to a grave can be done whilst the owner is still alive by completing and submitting a ‘Assignment of Right of Burial’.

Assignment of Right of Burial Form (being revised)


Transferring grave ownership when the owner is deceased

If the deceased grave owner made a valid will that requires a Grant of Probate, ownership can be transferred to the executors. The applicant must produce a sealed copy of the Grant of Probate and complete the ‘Probate Form’.

If the estate is not of sufficient value for a Grant of Probate, ownership can be transferred to the executor with a ‘Statutory Declaration’ and production of the will. They are then responsible for identifying the rightful owner and complete the transfer by a ‘Deed of Assent’.

If there is no valid will, but the estate is of sufficient value to need a Grant of Probate, ownership of the grave can be transferred to a personal representative of the deceased on production of a sealed copy of the Grant of Letters of Administration. Again is it then the responsibility of the representative of the deceased to identify the rightful owner and complete the transfer with a ‘Deed of Assent’.

If there are no executors, or letters of administration, the deceased is known to have died intestate, and there are specific rules when dealing with cases like this. The person applying for the transfer of ownership will need to complete a Statutory Declaration. This is a legal document produced by the Cemeteries Office at Much Wenlock Town Council and must bear the impressed seal and be signed in the presence of a Magistrate or Commissioner for Oaths.

The Statutory Declaration will set out the facts regarding the original purchase of the Exclusive Rights of Burial, the death of the registered owner, intestate or otherwise and the relationship of the applicant to the registered owner. A death certificate may be asked for.

Please note that when transferring ownership:

•   It is a legal requirement to establish the grave ownership.

•   Where there is a family dispute and relevant consents are withheld, the ownership cannot be transferred.

•   There can be a maximum of two owners per grave. Other beneficiaries must sign a renunciation form to relinquish their rights to ownership.

•   A fee is payable to transfer a grave ownership with the Magistrate or Commissioner for Oaths.

•   All certificates supplied with a transfer application must be originals, or certified copies.


Documents required for transferring the Exclusive Rights of Burial when the owner is alive:

  • Form of Assignment
  • Identification
  • Deed of Grant

Documents required for transferring the Exclusive Rights of Burial when the owner is deceased, has left a Will and applicant/s have obtained Probate:

  • The Grant of Probate bearing the impressed seal
  • Assent of Executor or Administration Forms
  • Identification
  • Deed of Grant
  • Death Certificate

Documents required for transferring the Exclusive Rights of Burial when the owner is deceased and has left a Will but no Probate was obtained by applicant/s:

  • Statutory Declaration Form
  • Form of Renunciation
  • Identification
  • Deed of Grant
  • Death Certificate

Documents required for transferring the Exclusive Rights of Burial when the owner is deceased and hasn’t left a Will but Letters of Administration have been obtained by the applicant/s:

  • The Letter of Administration bearing the impressed seal
  • Identification
  • Deed of Grant
  • Death Certificate

Documents required for transferring the Exclusive Rights of Burial when the deceased owner has not left a Will and Letters of Administration have not been obtained by the applicant/s:

  • Statutory Declaration Form
  • Form of Renunciation
  • Identification
  • Deed of Grant
  • Death Certificate

Cemetery Forms can be downloaded below or obtained form the Town Clerk’s Office.

Statutory Declaration Form (for surviving children – more than one to take ownership) (currently being revised)

Statutory Declaration Form (for surviving children – only one to take over ownership) (currently being revised)

Statutory Declaration Form (for surviving spouse or partner) (currently being revised)

Form of Renunciation (currently being revised)

Statutory Declaration Forms and Renunciation Forms must be witnessed before a Magistrate or Court of Justice, and bear the impressed seal.


For further information please contact the Town Council’s Cemetery Officer:

Diane Barlow

Telephone number: 01952 727509

Email: admin@muchwenlock-tc.gov.uk

Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan Review

Give us your views by filling out our survey:

OR CLICK HERE


We need your views, ideas, knowledge and skills

 

This will close in 20 seconds