Questions answered in this file

Who is responsible for unclaimed remains?

Usually the medical examiner, coroner or county, depending on local law, which arranges burial or cremation and keeps records of the disposition.

What records should I request?

The medical examiner case file, burial or disposition permit, county indigent burial logs, cemetery plot maps and records of retained samples.

What should I do if an unidentified case seems to match a missing person?

Report it to the investigating agency or medical examiner with your evidence, rather than publicizing a possible match yourself.

Can a family arrange an exhumation for testing?

Not informally. Exhumation must be authorized under applicable law, typically involving the medical examiner, courts or public health authorities.

Why might records be incomplete?

Older practices varied, samples were not always kept, and some burial locations were poorly recorded, so ask what exists and record each answer.