When you buy a cemetery plot you have the exclusive right to be buried in that plot of land—also known as a right of sepulture (burial or interment).

Laws and definitions of terms vary from state to state but your rights are generally governed by the contract or agreement you sign when you buy the plot; by state laws (statutes) regarding cemeteries and plots; by corporate bylaws for the cemetery corporation that owns and manages the cemetery; by any restrictions in the real property deed (quitclaim deed) used to convey the plot to you; and if you are married when you purchase the plot, by state laws governing marital or community property rights.

Because the right of sepulture is effectively a sale of the land where the plot is located a quitclaim deed or other real property deed may be used to convey or transfer ownership of a plot from the cemetery corporation or a plot owner to a new plot owner.

These laws and agreements may also limit your right to transfer by will ownership of any part of your plot and the right to be buried in the plot (if it is a double plot, for example).

In Wisconsin, when you purchase a cemetery plot, you acquire the exclusive right to be buried in that plot, known as the right of sepulture. This right is typically governed by a combination of the purchase contract, state statutes, corporate bylaws of the cemetery, any applicable real property deeds, and marital property laws if you are married at the time of purchase. Wisconsin state law, particularly in Chapter 157 of the Wisconsin Statutes, outlines regulations for cemeteries and burial grounds, including the management, maintenance, and transfer of cemetery plots. The transfer of ownership of a cemetery plot may be executed through a quitclaim deed or similar legal instrument. However, the ability to transfer the plot or rights to burial via a will or other means may be restricted by the terms of the agreement with the cemetery or by state law. It is important for plot owners to review their contracts and understand any applicable restrictions or requirements set forth by the cemetery corporation and state regulations.