Headstones for a Divorced Couple

Couples sometimes buy plots and a companion headstone together, then divorce. What happens next depends on the plot rights, the stone, and the wishes of everyone involved.

The plots

Interment rights are usually listed in one or both names. In a divorce, they can be:

• Kept by one person.
• Divided — each keeps one plot.
• Sold — see selling a cemetery plot.
• Transferred to children — see transferring plot ownership.

It's wise to address plots in the divorce settlement.

An existing companion stone

If a companion stone with both names is already installed:

• It can stay, if both agree.
• One name can sometimes be removed by re-facing — see reusing a headstone.
• It can be replaced with a single stone.

Wording after divorce

Many divorced parents are remembered simply as "Loving father" or "Beloved mother and grandmother", without reference to a former spouse. If a person remarried, see headstone for someone married twice.

Avoiding conflict

Put wishes in writing, update your will and tell your children. Clear documents spare them difficult decisions later. See when family disagrees about a headstone.

Children's perspective

Adult children often care deeply about where each parent is buried and how they're remembered. Involving them early helps.

Key Takeaways

• Address cemetery plots in the divorce settlement.
• Plots can be kept, divided, sold or transferred.
• Companion stones can stay, be re-faced or replaced.
• Put wishes in writing to avoid conflict.

Next Step

See who owns a headstone.