Who controls the lot after the death of the original certificate holder (purchaser)?
Possession of the Certificate of Interment Rights (deed) other than by the original purchaser does not guarantee ownership of or the right to use graves. Ownership of the lot is governed by Section 8 of the Religious Corporation Law of the State of New York, which states that lots shall be held indivisible. Generally, the surviving spouse and children of the lot owner, in common, control the lot. Upon the death of the last child, the grandchildren, in common, control the lot. Families should designate, in writing, a representative to act on behalf of the family on matters pertaining to the lot. Forms for this designation are available at the cemetery office.
