Ask a Professional Ask a Professional
Our professional staff is trained to help you understand the finer details of frequently asked questions regarding the topics below and more. Please call or email us for further assistance as needed.
Click on each for information...
Arrangements...
I just lost a loved-one. How do I make arrangements?
Contact Woodlawn to confirm that you have space available in your family lot or to select property to suit your needs. Our staff will advise you of all of the costs involved, and we will help you understand and prepare the required documents. We will work with the funeral director you select to coordinate the memorial service.
I am ready to make a decision to buy cemetery property. How do I begin?
We recommend that you attend a Planning Seminar, where you will learn about all of the aspects you need to consider before selecting a final resting place and making funeral arrangements.
You can call or come to the cemetery to meet with a family service counselor, who will show you available space, provide information on available options and discuss costs and payment plans.
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Payment/Pricing/Pre-payment...
Where do I go to find out what cemetery property costs and how to pay for it?
You can discuss costs with a family service counselor, who will provide details about our payment plan, which allows you to pay over time and offers discounts for those who purchase property in advance of need. Our prices are posted in our main office. Service fees are approved annually by the New York State Division of Cemeteries.
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Ownership...
Members of my family are buried at Woodlawn. How do I find out who owns the property and what do we need to do to use the remaining space?
Contact our administration department to review or update records associated with the ownership of a lot, crypt or niche. In New York State, burial rights are transferred from one generation to another at the time of death unless specifically devised in a will. Descendants of the original lot owner are required to file an heirship affidavit (family tree) with the cemetery to identify the current owners (those who have burial rights).
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Care...
I would like to make improvements to our memorial and plantings. What do I need to do to provide better care for my lot?
Before you begin working on your lot, contact our administration department or review our rules and regulations to get information on approved plantings and restoration methods. Woodlawn can provide you with an estimate for cleaning your memorial, installing ornamental plantings or providing special maintenance services. If you hire an outside contractor to perform the work, they will be required to have proof of insurance and comply with the rules and regulations of the cemetery.
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Research...
I am assembling my family tree. How do I go about getting information from Woodlawn about my ancestors?
You can call, write, email or visit our administration office to obtain information about those buried at Woodlawn. We ask that you set up an appointment if you are planning to visit in order to receive our full attention. You should arrive before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. when we are not as busy with funeral services. We charge a fee of $50 per hour to cover the costs of staff time, photography, copying and postage associated with completing requests for genealogical information. We will confirm if the individual(s) in question is buried at Woodlawn and provide you with interment locations free of charge.
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Cremation Services...
I am thinking about cremation. What plans do I need to make?
So many people are considering cremation today, and there are many information sources available to assist you. Our family service counselors can help you learn about the process, make pre-arrangements and consider options for memorialization. Woodlawn operates a crematory on site. In New York State, you are required to use the services of a licensed funeral director to coordinate the cremation process. For general information about cremation, contact the Cremation Association of North America at www.cremationassociation.org.
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Sale of a Lot...
Our burial plans have changed. Can we sell our property?
You need to contact Woodlawn to inform the cemetery of your desire to sell or transfer burial rights. The resale of burial rights is regulated by the New York State Cemetery Board. In accordance with New York State Cemetery Law, the cemetery has the right of first refusal to buy back burial rights. If the cemetery chooses to purchase, the price will be set according to a state-approved formula. If the cemetery declines, then the current owner has the right to sell, once approval has been obtained by the New York State Division of Cemeteries.
In certain cases, the current lot owner can consider donating the burial space to the cemetery. Please contact us to learn more.
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Memorialization...
I have an idea for a unique memorial. What are my options?
Woodlawn welcomes unique memorials and allows for a variety of stone types and creative designs. Before you commission a monument dealer, you need to obtain approval from the cemetery, as we want to ensure that the monument can be maintained and is consistent with the design of the section where your property is located. Check our rules and regulations for detailed information on memorialization.
