Taylor, MI asked in Municipal Law for Michigan

Q: Can I request and direct that the Wayne County Medial Examiner transport a body to a cemetery?

"I understand and affirm that I have the right to authorize and arrange for the final disposition of the decedent's body; however, I knowingly and voluntarily waive that right and instead request and direct that the decedent's body be released to Wayne County Medical Examiner for disposition by burial, cremation or any other manner permitted by law." -Release of decedent's body for disposition by the Wayne County Medical Examiner

My dad passed away and I was able to secure him a burial plot, but I have no way to transport his body to the cemetery. I have asked the WCMEO can they transport him and they all have denied it but the paper says otherwise.

What are my options?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In this situation, it's essential to understand the specific policies and procedures of the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office (WCMEO). Even if the documentation suggests that they can transport the body, they may have protocols or resource limitations that prevent them from doing so.

Your first step could be to review the agreement or any official documents provided by the WCMEO. Look for any clauses or statements that explicitly mention transportation services. If the language seems to support your request, you might want to discuss this specific point with them again, highlighting the relevant sections of the document.

If the WCMEO maintains their stance on not providing transportation, consider reaching out to local funeral homes or transportation services that specialize in this area. These services are equipped to handle the logistics of transporting a decedent's body and often work in coordination with both families and government agencies.

You may also seek advice or assistance from a legal professional who is familiar with estate and end-of-life matters. They can offer guidance on how to navigate this situation based on local laws and regulations.

Lastly, in such challenging times, community resources or religious organizations can sometimes provide support or advice. They may have experience in dealing with similar situations and could offer practical solutions or assistance.

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