What is the process to legally have a body exhumed and undergo an autopsy that has already been buried?This is for the state of New York. The immediate family (husband) is not in favor of an...
What is the process to legally have a body exhumed and undergo an autopsy that has already been buried?
This is for the state of New York. The immediate family (husband) is not in favor of an autopsy and has signed documents to that effect. How do we compel him to do other wise, and what legal process do we have to go through? We suspect foul play.
1 Answer
dano7744 | College Teacher | (Level 2) Educator
Contact the police in the jurisdiction and relay your concerns in regards to the suspicious manner of death. Law enforcement will then investigate the case and determine if they think a postmortem exam is appropriate. If the police agency finds this is necessary, they will petition the court to order an exhumation and autopsy. In other words, the exhumation and autopsy must be court ordered. You mentioned that the husband does not want this to occur. He has absolutely no say in the matter and his wishes are not relevant in a criminal investigation.