How long can a body be kept in a receiving vault before it is considered a disinterment?

In the context of funeral laws and practices, a receiving vault is typically used to temporarily store a deceased individual’s body until burial or cremation can take place. The length of time a body can remain in a receiving vault before it is classified as a disinterment is usually defined by local or state regulations.

Choosing 30 days as the duration before disinterment is defined reflects common practices in various jurisdictions. After this period, the term disinterment generally becomes applicable. Disinterment normally implicates a legal and procedural context where the body is removed from its burial or initial resting place permanently, rather than just being temporarily stored.

While other time frames may be utilized in different locations, 30 days is a widely cited standard in the funeral service industry, aligning with the intent of managing the remains in a respectful and regulated manner.