A real story of organizing a funeral in a difficult situation
Organizing a funeral is never a simple process. However, sometimes it turns into a legal, technical, and emotional labyrinth, where a family is left alone with unexpected obstacles, unclear rules, and urgent decisions that must be made during a period of deep grief.
This is a real story of a family that found itself in an extremely difficult situation, and how the ANGEL team step by step helped find a way out where at first it seemed none existed—combining a professional approach, legal expertise, and truly human support.
When the call comes from abroad
On a Sunday morning, our team received a call from a woman—her father had passed away in the United Kingdom. All relatives were in Latvia, and there was not a single close person in the UK who could promptly handle the necessary matters on site. This meant that all decisions had to be made remotely, dealing with institutions of another country, different rules, and fixed deadlines.
The daughter wanted to organize the repatriation of her father to Latvia—his homeland—in order to bury him in Riga, next to his wife. This was a clear and unequivocally expressed wish of the father during his lifetime, which the family was determined to fulfill at any cost.
She had a burial contract in hand, which specified two plots: one where the mother was already buried, and the second intended for the father. These documents inspired confidence that the burial would proceed without complications.
At first, everything действительно seemed simple. Until theory met practice and it became clear that the family was facing a much more complicated path than expected.
Repatriation: the first serious challenge
To transport the deceased from the United Kingdom to Latvia, it was necessary to prepare and process documents both abroad and on the Latvian side. The process of repatriation requires precision, specialized knowledge, and constant interaction with various institutions.
In such an emotional state, it would have been practically impossible for the daughter to handle this on her own. The team of our funeral bureau took over the entire process and ensured:
- preparation of all documents in the United Kingdom and Latvia;
- obtaining permits for transportation;
- preparation of the coffin in accordance with international requirements;
- logistics and coordination of all stages;
- communication with the cemetery administration to verify burial plot availability.
The repatriation was completed accurately and within the established timeframe. After the deceased was delivered to Latvia, the ANGEL funeral bureau began organizing traditional funeral services. However, the most difficult challenge was still ahead.
An unexpected refusal at the cemetery
When the family, together with our team, contacted the cemetery administration, an unexpected refusal was received to bury the father next to the mother.
The reason was as follows: over the decades, a tree had grown on the second part of the plot, and this area was deemed partially closed. This effectively ruled out the possibility of a coffin burial.
The cemetery administration offered an alternative—burial of only an urn with ashes. This option was unacceptable to the family, as the father had clearly expressed during his lifetime his wish not to be cremated and to be buried specifically next to his spouse.
When everything is legally in order, but there is no solution
We helped prepare repeated applications, attaching all supporting documents. Archives and contract histories were reviewed, and formally everything indicated the existence of two burial plots.
We prepared all the documents, application after application… but the response remained unchanged.
Nevertheless, the cemetery administration’s decision did not change—the burial of a coffin on this plot was prohibited.
Such situations are not only emotionally difficult but also legally complex. For many people, they seem completely incomprehensible. In such moments, professional dialogue with the cemetery administration, deep understanding of legal nuances, and the ability to promptly propose alternative solutions are especially important.
A new solution: finding another burial site
Given the refusal, the family had to make a new decision. During discussions, it turned out that the family had another family grave at a different cemetery in Riga, where several free plots were available.
After coordination with the cemetery administration, permission was obtained for burial at this site.
Our team, having coordinated all the family’s wishes, organized:
- selection of funeral accessories (coffin, cross with plaque, shroud, national covering, and other elements);
- holding a farewell ceremony in the chapel;
- full organization of the funeral.
The funeral took place calmly and with dignity. However, the story did not end there.
A year later — another difficult but important decision
After the funeral ceremony, the daughter approached us with a very personal question:
“Is it possible to carry out the exhumation of my mother in order to rebury her next to my father and fulfill their mutual wish expressed during their lifetime?”
Exhumation in Latvia is a strictly regulated process, which is permitted only after the established period—at least one year from the date of burial.
For the family, this meant a long waiting period, careful preparation of documents, and repeated planning of all stages of the procedure, with the understanding that each step had to be coordinated with government institutions and carried out in a strictly defined sequence. This required not only time and patience but also emotional readiness to go through a complex and psychologically difficult process once again.
Nevertheless, the ANGEL team:
- prepared all documents for exhumation;
- coordinated the process with the Health Inspectorate;
- ensured the execution of all technical works at the cemetery;
- organized the reburial at a new plot;
- provided floral arrangements.
Today, the mother and father rest together—exactly as they wished.
What does this story show?
This is a story about:
- complex documentation abroad;
- repatriation logistics;
- legal nuances related to burial plots;
- refusals by cemetery administrations;
- exhumation requirements;
- timelines, approvals, and permits.
And most importantly—about the fact that in such situations, a person should not be left alone.
Our team knows how to work with all these processes—systematically, professionally, and with respect. We understand Latvian and international regulations, interact with institutions, and resolve issues that may seem insurmountable to someone facing the problem alone.
When a situation seems hopeless, it is important not to be alone
We understand these processes and know how to find solutions even in the most difficult circumstances.
If you are facing complex funeral arrangements, repatriation, or legal issues—we are ready to help. Contact our team 24/7:
Our work is to ensure that the farewell takes place with dignity, calmness, and organization — even when at first it seems that no solution exists.
