CAN ANYONE PUT A HEADSTONE ON A GRAVE?

In the AU, there are many restrictions regarding who has the right to place a grave marker. The restrictions take into consideration the person who holds the Deed of Grant and the rules of the cemetery in which the plot is located.

Can a headstone be placed on a grave?

If the cemetery allows it, the only person entitled to place a headstone on a grave is the person named on a Deed of Grant. A grave marker placed on a gravesite without a Deed of Grant may be removed by the Registered Grave Owner.

Regardless of whether you are the person named on the Deed of Grant and therefore entitled to place a headstone or other grave marker on a gravesite, you are still subject to the rules and restrictions of the cemetery where the grave lies.

If your loved one is buried in an eco cemetery, for example, you may only be able to place biodegradable markers or none at all. The materials and designs of gravestones and memorials in traditional churchyards are strictly regulated. A Christian churchyard may not allow any iconography associated with another religion.

Before you can place a headstone on a grave, how long do you have to wait?

As a guideline figure, it is recommended that you wait at least six months before placing a headstone on a burial grave. First of all, the ground must settle before a gravestone can be erected. During the first six months, the grave may still be settling - and in some burial grounds, this can last longer. Sinking ground may cause a headstone to lean forward.

In addition to emotional reasons, after the initial shock has passed and the grieving process has begun, you will have a clearer picture of what you want on a headstone. Making sure that the epitaph you choose is right is worth the effort.

Replacing a Headstone Law

Legally, only the Registered Grave Owner is entitled to replace a headstone prices near me . Laws support the removal of unauthorized items from gravesites, and memorials erected without the support of the family can be removed. Along with the headstone, these restrictions also apply to toys, memorials, or ornaments which may be affixed to the grave.

The Registered Grave Owner may also be required to replace a headstone that violates cemetery rules if the offending features (such as an inappropriate color, decoration, vase, or image) cannot be changed immediately. For inspiration, here are some sandblasted designs.

Adding a Second Name to a Headstone

A Registered Grave Owner may add a second name to a headstone, provided that the lettering and any additional decoration comply with cemetery restrictions. If there is no space on the front of the gravestone, you can also add an additional inscription to the back.

 

It can be more expensive to add a second inscription to a headstone, or to add to the inscription on an existing headstone or memorial, even if the work is being carried out in situ. Either contact the company that engraved the headstone prices near me or find someone else to do it. There is often a discount for returning customers, but distance can also affect the quote you receive, so it is important to contact a few different companies to compare prices.