Is it legally required to purchase a vault or container for the casket?

The correct answer indicates that while it is not a universal legal requirement to purchase a vault or container for the casket, many cemeteries impose this requirement. This practice stems from both traditional and practical concerns.

Many cemeteries mandate the use of a vault or outer container to help maintain the integrity of the gravesite. A vault provides additional protection for the casket, preventing it from collapsing over time due to soil pressure and erosion, thus ensuring the long-term preservation of the burial site. The requirement is often enforced for operational reasons, as it helps with maintaining cemetery aesthetics and managing ground maintenance.

While the legal landscape can vary from state to state, there is no overarching federal law that necessitates the purchase of a vault. Therefore, it is important for individuals to check the specific regulations and requirements of the cemetery they plan to use, which is why the second option is the most accurate—highlighting that purchasing a vault is not legally mandated but may be required by certain cemeteries.