Can You Change A Memorial Headstone Without The Plot Deeds?

There are a number of reasons why you might wish to change the memorial headstone that has been placed on a loved one’s plot – perhaps their spouse has also passed and their details need to be added; perhaps it has become damaged from weathering or vandalism; or perhaps you simply don’t like the look of it anymore. One question that many people in this situation ask is whether they need the plot deeds in order to change the headstone.

In short, it really depends. And therein lies most of the problem.

What is a plot deed?
Firstly, we felt it is important to outline what exactly a plot deed is. Essentially, this is a document that states who is responsible for the grave in question. By taking on responsibility for the plot, you have basically identified yourself as the owner. When you pass on, this responsibility will pass onto your next of kin (usually a child or sibling). Even so, it is a good idea to outline in writing who you would like ownership to pass to (so as to avoid any problems).

Do you need the deed?
These days, some local authorities will allow a memorial headstone to be placed or replaced without sighting the plot deed – providing that they receive the signature of the plot owner to say that they are happy for you to proceed. The owner is usually the person who arranged the funeral or cremation, but if you pre-purchase your own grave you will be considered the owner. This is the only person who can authorise a headstone to be placed or replaced.

If the plot owner is deceased or no longer wants the responsibility of the grave, however, it might be possible for a local authority to reassign the deeds to someone else. Whilst you are well within your rights to speak with a local authority regarding a deed reassignment (we recommend starting with the funeral director or cemetery board), it should be noted that it’s very unlikely to be accepted if the current owner is alive and unwilling to give it up.

What about churchyards?
If your loved one has been buried in a cemetery attached to a church and you wish to change the memorial headstone, you are going to find the process even harder. This is because these plots are much more restrictive in what’s allowed due to Diocese Regulations. Anything unusual, for example, is likely to be refused outright or passed onto the Diocese for their comments. In some cases, the current priest at the church is considered the grave owner.

So, if you are interested in changing a loved one’s memorial headstone, we hope that we have answered your questions regarding plot deeds and ownership. Often, if the headstone needs to be replaced due to weathering or vandalism, the cemetery will contact the person listed in their records. If this person is deceased or no longer wants responsibility, they may try to contact another family member to notify them of the problem.