New Mexico § 24-13-1 Burial or cremation of unclaimed decedents

New Mexico Statutes

§ 24-13-1 — Burial or cremation of unclaimed decedents

New Mexico § 24-13-1

Ch. 24Health and Safety

Art. 13Burial of Indigents

This text of New Mexico § 24-13-1 (Burial or cremation of unclaimed decedents) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering New Mexico primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

N.M. Stat. Ann. § 24-13-1 (2026).

Text

For the purposes of Chapter 24, Article 13 NMSA 1978, a dead body that has not been claimed by a friend, relative or other interested person assuming the responsibility for and expense of disposition shall be considered an unclaimed decedent. It is the duty of each county in this state to authorize interment or cremation of an unclaimed decedent. The county shall ensure that the body is buried or cremated no later than thirty days after a determination has been made that the body has not been claimed, but no less than fourteen days after death or discovery of the body. If the body is cremated, the county shall ensure that the cremated remains are retained and stored for at least two years, or one year for eligible veterans who qualify for veteran burial benefits, in a manner that allows fo

Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI

For the purposes of Chapter 24, Article 13 NMSA 1978, a dead body that has not been claimed by a friend, relative or other interested person assuming the responsibility for and expense of disposition shall be considered an unclaimed decedent. It is the duty of each county in this state to authorize interment or cremation of an unclaimed decedent. The county shall ensure that the body is buried or cremated no later than thirty days after a determination has been made that the body has not been claimed, but no less than fourteen days after death or discovery of the body. If the body is cremated, the county shall ensure that the cremated remains are retained and stored for at least two years, or one year for eligible veterans who qualify for veteran burial benefits, in a manner that allows for identification of the remains. After the expiration of two years, or one year for eligible veterans who qualify for veteran burial benefits, the cremated remains may be disposed of; provided the county retains a record of the place and manner of disposition for not less than five years after disposition.