There can be several reasons why people might pay to have a family member exhumed from a cemetery:
Forensic investigation: In some cases, family members may request an exhumation to conduct further forensic investigations. This could happen if there are doubts about the cause of death or suspicions of foul play. Exhumation allows for a deeper examination of the remains to gather more evidence.
Legal reasons: Exhumations can be necessary for legal purposes, such as resolving inheritance disputes, property rights, or insurance claims. Sometimes, wills or other legal documents may come to light after burial, necessitating the exhumation to address these matters properly.
Relocation: Families may decide to move the deceased to a different cemetery for various reasons. It could be because the family wishes to bury their loved one closer to their own residence, alongside other family members, or in a cemetery with more sentimental value.
Cemetery relocation: In some cases, cemeteries might need to be moved or closed due to urban development, environmental concerns, or other reasons. Families may choose to have their loved one's remains exhumed and transferred to another cemetery.
Scientific research or medical studies: Families may consent to the exhumation of their family member for scientific research or medical studies. The deceased's remains could be valuable for educational purposes or to contribute to research, such as studying historical diseases or human genetics.
Cultural or religious reasons: Certain cultures or religions have specific burial customs and beliefs. If the burial didn't follow those customs correctly, the family might request an exhumation to correct the process and ensure that the deceased is laid to rest in accordance with their beliefs.
It's important to note that exhumations are not undertaken lightly and usually require legal authorization and permission from relevant authorities. Additionally, exhumations can be emotionally challenging for the family members involved, so the decision to proceed with an exhumation is typically made after careful consideration of the reasons and potential benefits.