For how long must a cemetery in California maintain records of interments?

A cemetery in California is required by state law to maintain records of interments permanently. This permanent record-keeping is essential for several reasons. First, it ensures that vital information about those interred is preserved, which is important for historical and legal purposes. Families often seek information about their loved ones for genealogical research or to verify burial details, and those records serve as the official documentation.

Moreover, maintaining these records permanently helps cemeteries manage operations effectively, keeping track of space usage and compliance with various regulations. It also supports the rights of families in asserting their claims and ensures that decisions regarding grave sites or disinterments are backed by accurate information.

In contrast, the other options, such as maintaining records for a set period (like five or ten years) or until the cemetery is no longer operational, do not align with the legal requirements. These practices could lead to loss of important burial information and complicate matters for future families looking for closure or historical records related to their ancestry. Thus, the permanence of record-keeping is a critical aspect of cemetery management in California.