Over the Memorial Day Weekend, more Ohioans will pay their respects and visit cemeteries throughout the state than at any other time of the year.
“Cemeteries are important places in our lives because they often serve as the final resting place of our loved ones,” said Kimberly Zurz, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. “When Ohioans have a concern about a cemetery, they should first bring the issue to the attention of the cemetery’s management. On those occasions when the issue cannot be resolved, Ohioans can file a complaint with the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission."
The Dispute Resolution Commission receives cemetery complaints and works to resolve disputes that arise between a concerned party and a cemetery. Common examples of complaints include the cemetery’s maintenance, how the cemetery is managed, or sales issues such as the purchase of interment rights, burial containers, markers or other items.
Once a complaint is filed, a copy is sent to the cemetery operator. If it is not resolved, the complainant and the cemetery operator will receive a notice to appear before the Commission. The commissioners – many of whom are experienced cemetery operators as well as public members – will suggest possible ways to resolve the issue. The Commission does not, however, have the authority to mandate a particular action.
If the Commission believes that cemetery laws have been violated, it can refer the case to a county prosecutor or to the Attorney General’s Office.
To assist Ohioans in understanding cemetery issues, the department’s Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing has a brochure titled “Ohio Cemeteries: A Consumer Guide” available at www.com.ohio.gov/real/docs/real_CemeteryConsumerBrochure.pdf
The cemetery complaint form is available at www.com.ohio.gov/real/cemain.aspx or by calling (216) 787-5669.
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