Who is responsible for ensuring that a burial permit is obtained?

The responsibility for obtaining a burial permit primarily lies with the funeral director. In Washington State, funeral directors are licensed professionals who handle the logistics of funerals, including legal documentation necessary for burial or cremation. This includes applying for the burial permit, which is a legal requirement prior to interring a body. The funeral director typically has the knowledge and expertise to navigate the regulations surrounding permits, ensuring compliance with state laws.

In addition to their professional responsibilities, funeral directors often assist families during a difficult time, taking on the burden of securing necessary permits and documentation. This allows family members to focus on their grief and arrangements without having to navigate the regulatory landscape.

While family members may be involved in the decision-making process and may express preferences regarding burial, the legal obligation to obtain the permit falls on the funeral director since they are directly managing the process. The coroner is involved in investigations of deaths that may require permits but does not handle the procurement of burial permits themselves. Similarly, cemetery owners manage and maintain burial sites and may require documentation, but they are not responsible for obtaining the permits.