My question concerns burial rights within cemetery land donated in the early 1900's and designated as a perpetual "free" to anyone, with no charge or fees on burial space. A relative recently passed away and her husband was told he could not bury her at the cemetery unless he paid $500 upfront as a maintenance fee for upkeep.

Is it legal to deny burial on basis of a church committee decision to impliment a $500 upfront fee for maintenance? A yearly decoration day has always been the traditional upkeep of this cemetery.

As the land was donated for free burials is there anything which can be done to prevent denial of burial for others who may have to face this same situation that this 75 year old husband had to face in trying to bury his wife with dignity? The whole family is upset, not because of the money (it's a small amount), but the non-notification of such policy. What is state laws governing burials?

I'm sure there are other questions, I just can't think of at the moment.

Thanks for information and advice.