Virtual Cemetery
In February 2014, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office began using cremation as a dignified alternative to burial for indigent remains. The cremated remains of indigent decedents will be held by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office for a period of one year and may be claimed by the legal next of kin for a fee. A mandated by ordinance fee of $250.00 is required to retrieve cremated remains that may be waived if the legal next-of-kin can provide proof of indigent status. After one year, all unclaimed cremated remains will be buried.
For information about claiming cremated remains please contact our Indigent and Family Services Manager at meofamilyservices@cookcountyil.gov.
The final disposition sites of the indigent decedents buried or cremated by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office can be found on the Cook County Government’s Open Data site.
Indigent Cremations