How Do You Get A Body Exhumed For DNA Testing?
There are three main reasons for a body to be exhumed for purposes of extracting DNA: criminal investigation, genetic identification and paternity. The process of exhuming a body can be difficult especially if family members of the deceased oppose the exhumation or there are religious prohibitions against the practice. Get permission from relatives and authorities. If the body is being exhumed for the purpose of a criminal investigation, you must get a warrant from a judge and have probable cause that DNA from the deceased will be useful in the investigation. This can be complicated by family members of the deceased who do not want the body exhumed and may seek an injunction trying to stop it. You should get permission from the family if you want an exhumation for reasons outside of a criminal investigation. If the family members are unwilling, you may have to sue to have the body exhumed. Apply for the proper permits. While the laws regarding exhumation differ from state to state, the
