Frequently Asked Questions
Do I own real estate when I purchase my lot?
No, you purchase the right to be interred or inurned; no ownership of land is conveyed and all real estate is titled in the name of the cemetery company.
What is required to be purchased for a burial?
- Purchase of a burial site (lot, cremation niche or mausoleum)
- Burial Service Fee
- Vault (if in-ground burial)
Do I have to purchase my vault from the cemetery?
No, this may be purchased from a third-party supplier however they are required to adhere to our policy for outside contractors and will be responsible for the delivery, installation, and closing of the vault.
Do I have to have a vault (outer burial container)?
While Virginia State Law does not require a vault for burial, Stafford Memorial Park, among others, requires a vault for in-ground burials as a matter of safety to minimize the settlement of the gravesite due to varying casket materials.
What is included in the Burial Service Fee?
The Burial Service Fee includes the physical and mechanical labor of opening and closing the burial site and lowering the casket into the vault, as well as the ongoing landscape work necessary to reestablish grass on your grave.
Will we have a tent and chairs for our burial?
Yes, we include a graveside setup with a tent, chairs, and grass carpeting for families.
Do I have to purchase my memorial from the cemetery?
No, this may be purchased from a third-party supplier however they are required to adhere to our Policies and Procedures for Outside Memorials. Please contact our office at (540) 659-2191 or inforequest.smp@gmail.com for a copy of this policy.
What can I place on my loved one's grave site?
Please review our Floral and Decoration Regulations, which can be found here. This policy is designed for the safety, serenity, and enjoyment of all visitors to the cemetery.
I have decided not to be buried at Stafford Memorial Park, how can I dispose of my lots and/or merchandise?
Please click here to visit our Transfer of Ownership page for more details.
How can I find my loved one's grave?
Please click here to visit our Mapping page for more assistance.
What does that word mean?
Please click here to see a Glossary of Terms, created by the International Cemetery and Funeral Association with the intention of helping families understand interchangeable and confusing terms.