What to do after a death in Mississippi

Quick facts

• Good to know: No funeral director required for home burials.

• Tip: Get Board of Supervisors approval before establishing a family cemetery.

Getting started in Mississippi

• Mississippi doesn’t require a funeral director for home burials.

• The Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service regulates funeral homes and crematoriums.

• You have 5 days to register the death with the Office of Vital Records.

Good to know: Mississippi allows families significant flexibility in caring for their loved ones.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice nurse if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911.

• Embalming is required if disposition doesn’t occur within 24 hours.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will pronounce death and complete paperwork.

• They can help coordinate with a funeral home of your choice.

• Take the time you need with your loved one.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death.

• The coroner may need to be involved to determine cause of death.

• Once cleared, you can make funeral arrangements.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will help with immediate documentation.

• You can spend time with your loved one.

• The hospital will ask about funeral arrangements. There’s no rush to decide.

Cremation in Mississippi

• Mississippi requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation.

• The next of kin must sign a cremation authorization form.

• A permit for disposition is required and is obtained by the funeral home.

• A casket isn’t required. Alternative containers are allowed.

• Medical devices like pacemakers must be removed before cremation.

Burial in Mississippi

• Home burial on private property is allowed in Mississippi.

• Contact your county Board of Supervisors for approval to establish a family cemetery.

• Check local zoning ordinances for any restrictions.

• Burial vaults and caskets aren’t required by state law.

• Historic family cemeteries are protected by state law from desecration.

Paperwork in Mississippi

• The death certificate must be filed within 5 days of death.

• The funeral director typically handles filing, but families can do it themselves.

• Certified copies cost $17 for the first, $6 for each additional.

• Plan to order 8–10 copies for insurance, banks, and legal needs.

• Processing takes 7–10 business days by mail; no same-day service available.

Consumer rights in Mississippi

• You have the right to an itemized price list before making decisions.

• Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere.

• File complaints with the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service.

• Contact the Mississippi Attorney General for consumer protection issues: (601) 359-3680.

• The FTC Funeral Rule applies. You can report violations at ftc.gov.