Grave resolution — process, costs and important decisions

The most important things at a glance

Grave resolution takes place after the rest period has elapsed.
The grave is removed and restored to its original state.
Mortal remains mostly remain in the soil, except when reburied.
The rest period varies depending on the cemetery, region and type of burial.
The right of use determines who may dispose of the grave.
Grave dissolution costs are usually borne by relatives or heirs.
A reburial requires regulatory approval and good reasons.
Alternatives to the grave include memorabilia or digital memorial pages.

What does grave resolution mean?

Grave resolution refers to the removal and leveling of a burial site after the rest period has elapsed. This happens if the right to use the grave is not extended or if early dissolution is necessary.

Reasons for grave dissolution

Expiration of the rest period: After a certain number of years (varies depending on the cemetery and type of grave), the right of use expires.
No extension of the right of use: Relatives can decide whether they want to continue using the grave or have it dissolved.
Premature resolution: In special cases, a grave can also be dissolved before the end of the rest period, e.g. during reburial.
Cost aspects: Long-term grave care can be a financial burden for relatives.

What happens when a grave is resolved?

Clearing the grave: Tombstone, borders and plants are removed.
levelling: The grave area is restored to its original state.
Whereabouts of the remains: As a rule, they remain in the ground, unless reburial is requested.

Rest time in the cemetery — What you should know

Die rest period is the legally defined period of time during which a burial site may not be touched. It is used for dead rest and varies depending on the cemetery, region and type of burial. Only after this period has elapsed can a Grave resolution unless an extension of the right of use is requested.

What is the rest period?

The rest period begins with burial and ends after a certain number of years.
It is intended to ensure that the remains decompose naturally.
It is regulated differently for each type of grave (urn grave, row grave, election grave, etc.).

Why is there a rest period?

Pietät: The dead rest should be respected.
Ecological reasons: It takes time for the body to decompose.
Statutory requirements: Cemetery regulations prescribe the duration.

How long does the rest period last?

burials: Usually 20-30 years.
Urn graves: Usually shorter, around 10—20 years.
Regional differences: Municipalities and cemeteries set individual rest periods.

Right to use the grave: Extend or dissolve?

The right of use determines who may dispose of a burial site and whether an extension or grave dissolution is necessary. For certain types of digging, relatives can extend the right of use, while for others it automatically ends.

What does the right of use mean?

The right to use a grave for a fixed period of time.
The obligation to care for the burial site during this period.
The option to decide whether to extend or dissolve.

Can the right of use be extended?

Yes, but only for electoral graves and family graves.
The extension is carried out by the cemetery administration.
Costs depend on cemetery regulations and duration.
Row graves cannot be extended. After the rest period has elapsed, the grave is resolved automatically.

When is an extension worthwhile?

When family members still want a permanent memorial site.
If further burials are planned in the same grave (e.g. family grave).
When there is a close emotional connection to the grave.

Whether an extension or a grave resolution is the best decision depends on individual factors. Memovida We will be happy to advise you on your options and take all necessary steps.

Grave resolution process — step by step

Die Grave resolution It takes place in several steps and is usually carried out by the cemetery administration or a contracted service provider. As undertakers, we support from Memovida You are in the process of clarifying all formalities and making the process smooth.

1. Contacting the cemetery administration

Apply for grave dissolution (if necessary).
Clarification of deadlines and costs.
Information about the process and any special features.

2. Organization of grave removal

removal of the tombstone, the border and the plants.
Proper disposal or reuse of materials.
Hiring a stonemason to remove the tombstone (if necessary).

3. Levelling the grave area

Soil is filled and leveled.
Space is being prepared for later use (e.g. new occupancy or greening).

4. Whereabouts of the remains

As a rule, the remains remain in the soil.
Re-burial is only possible with official approval.

What happens to the tombstone after dissolution?

After the grave resolution, the question is what happens with the tombstone and other tombs happen. There are various options, which depend on the cemetery regulations, the wishes of loved ones and the condition of the stone. Below are a few options for the tombstone after the burial site has been resolved.

1. Reuse on a new grave site

If a reburial Once done, the tombstone can be reused on the new grave.
Adjustments or new lettering are often necessary.

2. Remodeling as a memento

Some relatives leave the tombstone convert them into smaller memorials (e.g. as a memorial plate in the garden).
Stonemasons offer individual treatments.

3. Donate or sell the tombstone

Some stonemasons prepare old tombstones and sell them on.
In rare cases, charitable projects accept well-preserved tombstones.

4. Professional disposal

If reuse is not possible, the tombstone is shredded and recycled.
Disposal is usually carried out via cemeteries or stonemasons.

Whereabouts of the remains — What are the options?

After a grave resolution, the question is what happens with the mortal remains happens. In most cases, these remain in place, but there is also the option of reburial under certain conditions.

1. Mortal remains remain in the soil

Standard procedure: As a rule, the remains remain in the grave, even after levelling.
Natural decomposition process: The rest period ensures that rotting is largely complete.
New occupancy of the grave field: The area is being prepared for future burials.

2. Re-burial of mortal remains

Permitted only with regulatory approval. Possible reasons for a reburial:

Family move so that relatives can continue to visit the grave.
Cemetery closure or reorganization of the cemetery.
Religious or personal wishes of survivors.

Expiration:

Submitting an application to the competent authority.
Exhumation by specialized personnel.
Transfer of the remains to a new burial site.

Whether the remains remain in the soil or are reburied depends on individual circumstances. Memovida supports you in making decisions and takes care of all organizational steps.

Costs of grave dissolution — Who pays?

Die Grave resolution is associated with various costs, which vary depending on the cemetery, type of grave and individual wishes. As a rule, relatives bear the resulting fees.

Basic costs for grave resolution:

Removal of tombstone, edging and planting
Levelling of the grave
Cemetery administrative costs

Additional costs (if necessary):

Disposal or preparation of the tombstone
Costs of reburying the remains
Hiring a stonemason to remove the tombstone
Processing fees for applications to the cemetery administration

Who is responsible for the costs?

Die Beneficiaries of the grave (usually relatives or heirs).
If a Funeral provision If there is, the costs may be covered.
With communal burial sites The cemetery administration often bears the removal costs.

Tranburial — What to do if a grave needs to be moved?

One reburial means the transfer of the remains to another location. This may be necessary for various reasons, but is subject to strict legal requirements.

Possible reasons for a reburial

Family move: Relatives would like to have the burial site close to them.
Cemetery closure or reorganization: Some cemeteries are being dissolved or restructured.
Religious or personal wishes: Families want a reburial for spiritual or traditional reasons.
soil conditions: In rare cases, reburial may be necessary due to poor soil conditions.

Legal requirements and approvals

A reburial is only possible with official approval.
The rest period must not be interrupted without good reason.
Applications must be submitted to the cemetery administration and the competent authority.
The consent of relatives is required.

The process of a reburial

Submitting an application with the competent authorities.
Get approval (may take several weeks).
Exhumation by professionals subject to hygienic requirements.
Transportation and reburial at the new location.

Alternative options after a grave resolution

After a Grave resolution The question is often how to preserve the memory of the deceased person. In addition to the classic reoccupancy of a burial site, there are many alternative forms of remembrance.

New burial site or alternative forms of burial

Reorganization of an electoral or family grave: If an extension was not possible, a new burial site can be purchased.
Tree burial or forest cemetery: Urns can be buried under a tree in a funeral forest.
Burial at sea: A dignified alternative, especially for people with a connection to water.
columbarium or urn wall: A space-saving alternative in the cemetery.

Memorial sites outside the cemetery

Memorial stone in your own garden: A way to create a personal reminder (depending on local legislation).
Remembrance square with memorial image or memorial plaque: In nature or in your own home.
Virtual memorial pages: Online portals make it possible to preserve memories digitally.

Make memorabilia from old tombstones

Reducing the size of the tombstone as a reminder symbol.
Engraving a new memorial stone for home or memorial
Integrate elements of the tomb into a new monument.

Frequently asked questions

Can you dissolve a grave after 10 years?

This depends on the rest period — in many regions, it is at least 15-20 years, which is why resolution after 10 years is usually not possible.

When can a grave be dissolved at the earliest?

A grave can be dissolved at the earliest after the specified rest period has elapsed, unless an officially approved early dissolution or reburial is requested.

What happens to graves after 25 years?

If the rest period has expired and the right of use is not extended, the Grave resolution, in which the grave site is leveled and prepared for a new occupation.