Understanding Disinterment and How We Assist Families
Ralph Torres • October 2, 2025
Understanding Disinterment and How We Assist Families
At
Torres Mortuary, we recognize that every family’s journey of remembrance is unique. In certain situations, families may face the difficult decision of requesting a
disinterment — the process of carefully removing a loved one’s remains from their current resting place. While this is never an easy choice, there are times when it becomes necessary, and we are here to guide families with
respect, compassion, and professionalism.
Reasons Families May Request Disinterment
Disinterment is not common, but there are valid and meaningful reasons why families may pursue it. These may include:
- Family Reunification
A desire to bring spouses, parents, or children together in the same grave or mausoleum space. This is especially important when a loved one has passed years apart and the family wishes them to rest side by side. - Relocation
When families move to another city or country and want their loved one to be closer, or when a cemetery is no longer easily accessible to relatives. - Cemetery Space
Sometimes disinterment allows for the preparation of a grave space so another loved one can be buried in the same location, honoring family traditions of togetherness. - Legal or Cultural Reasons
Certain legal matters, cultural customs, or requests from family abroad may also require disinterment and reinterment elsewhere.
The Process of Disinterment
Disinterment is a process that must be handled with great care, dignity, and strict adherence to legal and cemetery regulations. It requires:
- Legal Authorization – Proper permits must be obtained from local authorities and, in some cases, the courts.
- Cemetery Coordination – Permission and scheduling with the cemetery staff to ensure all guidelines are followed.
- Respectful Handling – Our staff ensures that every step is conducted with reverence for the deceased and their family.
How Torres Mortuary Assists Families
We understand how overwhelming the process can feel. That is why we are here to:
- Guide families through paperwork and permits required by city, county, and cemetery authorities.
- Coordinate directly with the cemetery, ensuring all rules and timelines are respected.
- Provide compassionate support, answering questions and walking families through every step of the process.
- Assist with reburial arrangements, whether in the same location with another loved one or at a new chosen site.
Our Commitment
Disinterment is a delicate process, but at Torres Mortuary, our role is to ease the burden by handling the details with
care, respect, and professionalism. Families can take comfort in knowing that their loved one will continue to be honored and that their wishes for family togetherness will be fulfilled.
At Torres Mortuary, our mission is not only to serve at the time of loss, but to continue serving families whenever important decisions about loved ones’ final resting places arise. If your family is considering disinterment, know that you will never walk this path alone — we will be with you every step of the way.
Torres Mortuary — Your Life, Your Legacy, Your Funeral, Your Way™
Understanding Why Your Loved One May Be Transferred to the Coroner At Torres Mortuary , we know that the loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a family can go through. During this time, families often expect their loved one to be brought directly into our care. However, in certain circumstances, the law requires that a loved one be transferred first to the coroner’s office . This can cause confusion and additional worry during an already emotional time, so we want to explain what this means and why it may happen. When Is the Coroner Involved? The coroner becomes involved when a death occurs under circumstances that must be reviewed to determine the exact cause and manner of death. This is not because your loved one is being treated with suspicion, but because the law requires certain situations to be evaluated for clarity and record. Some of these circumstances may include: Unexpected or sudden deaths without a doctor present to certify the cause. Deaths that occur outside of medical facilities (such as at home, in public, or in a workplace). Accidental deaths including falls, overdoses, or automobile accidents. Deaths involving possible criminal activity where law enforcement is required to investigate. Unidentified persons where identity must first be confirmed. What Happens at the Coroner’s Office? When your loved one is at the coroner’s office, they are treated with dignity and respect at all times . The coroner may perform: A review of medical records and history. An examination or autopsy, if required by law. Confirmation of identity. This process ensures that the cause of death is accurately determined, which may also provide important answers and peace of mind to families. How Long Will It Take? The length of time at the coroner’s office can vary. In many cases, it is just a short delay of one to two days. If a full examination is required, the process may take longer. Rest assured, we work closely with the coroner’s office to ensure your loved one is released into our care as soon as possible. When Your Loved One Returns to Our Care Once the coroner’s process is complete, your loved one is released into our care at Torres Mortuary. From that moment forward, we will guide you through every step of planning, honoring, and remembering their life with dignity, compassion, and faith. Our Commitment to Families We understand that the involvement of the coroner may feel unsettling. Please know that this process exists to protect families, provide answers, and ensure every death is documented properly. At Torres Mortuary, our commitment remains the same: to care for your loved one with respect, reverence, and compassion , and to support your family during this time of grief. At Torres Mortuary, we are here to answer your questions, guide you through every step, and ensure that your loved one’s farewell is filled with love, dignity, and faith. Torres Mortuary — Your Life, Your Legacy, Your Funeral, Your Way™
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Custom Funeral Services at Torres Mortuary Every life is unique, and every farewell deserves to reflect that uniqueness. At Torres Mortuary, we believe funeral services should be more than a ceremony—they should be a meaningful tribute that celebrates the personality, values, culture, and traditions of your loved one. That’s why we offer custom funeral services designed to honor life in a way that feels authentic and memorable. Why Choose a Custom Funeral Service? Custom services allow families to personalize every detail, creating an atmosphere that truly represents their loved one’s life. Whether it’s incorporating favorite music, displaying treasured photos, or creating themed memorials, personalization makes the service more meaningful and healing for everyone involved. Ways to Personalize a Service 1. Religious and Cultural Traditions We can incorporate rituals, prayers, or symbolic gestures that reflect your family’s faith or heritage. From Catholic masses to cultural customs, our team ensures that these sacred traditions are respected and honored. 2. Memorial Displays Personal items such as photographs, awards, hobbies, or even a favorite outfit can be displayed to share your loved one’s story. These elements help family and friends connect with memories and celebrate the individual’s life journey. 3. Custom Products We provide a variety of memorial products, including: Prayer cards with personalized images or scriptures Register books designed around themes or religious icons Customized caskets and casket panels or urns that reflect personal or cultural identity 4. Music and Readings From favorite hymns to meaningful poems, music and readings can capture the essence of your loved one’s spirit. Families often find these touches to be some of the most comforting and memorable parts of a service. 5. Unique Themes For some families, honoring passions like sports, music, or even a favorite flower can make the service deeply personal. These small details can turn the funeral into a celebration of life rather than just a goodbye. Our Commitment to You At Torres Mortuary, our caring team will guide you through the process of creating a service that balances tradition with personal touches. We believe every family deserves the opportunity to say goodbye in a way that is heartfelt, comforting, and unique. Torres Mortuary — Your Life, Your Legacy, Your Funeral, Your Way™.
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