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FindAGrave Update: What You Need to Know

FindAGrave Update: What You Need to Know

FindAGrave, the popular website for researching and memorializing the deceased, has undergone a significant update in 2022. This update has impacted how memorials for the recently deceased are handled, as well as how relationships are used for required transfers. The goal of this update is to make it easier for family members to manage memorials of their loved ones on the site.

Key Changes in the Update

Here are the main changes introduced in the FindAGrave update:

  • New Memorial Creation Process: The process for creating a new memorial has been streamlined. Now, when a memorial is created for someone who has recently passed away, it will automatically be set to "Private" status. This means that only the creator of the memorial and their designated family members will be able to view and edit it.
  • Relationship-Based Transfer: The update emphasizes the use of relationships to manage memorial transfers. If a memorial is set to "Private", the creator can designate specific family members as "Managers." These Managers will have the authority to edit and transfer the memorial to another user. This ensures that the memorial remains under the control of the deceased's close family.
  • Public Memorials: Memorials that are set to "Public" are still accessible to everyone. However, the update includes new features to prevent unauthorized changes to public memorials. For example, if someone tries to edit a public memorial without being a designated Manager, they will be required to provide proof of their relationship to the deceased.

Why These Changes Were Made

The FindAGrave update aims to address several concerns that have been raised in recent years. These concerns include:

  • Privacy Concerns: The previous system allowed anyone to create a memorial for someone who had recently passed away, even if they were not a family member. This raised privacy concerns, as sensitive information could be shared without the deceased's family's consent.
  • Memorial Accuracy: In some cases, memorials were created with inaccurate information or were edited by individuals who were not related to the deceased. This led to confusion and frustration for family members.
  • Memorial Management: The process for transferring a memorial from one user to another was previously cumbersome and often required extensive documentation.

How the Update Impacts You

If you are a FindAGrave user, the update will likely have a direct impact on how you manage memorials. Here's what you need to know:

  • New Memorial Creation: When creating a new memorial, you will be given the option to set it to "Private" or "Public." If you choose "Private", you will be prompted to designate Managers who can edit and transfer the memorial.
  • Memorial Transfers: If you are a Manager for a private memorial, you will have the authority to transfer the memorial to another user. You will need to provide proof of your relationship to the deceased to complete the transfer.
  • Public Memorials: If you are editing a public memorial, you may be asked to provide proof of your relationship to the deceased. This is to ensure that the memorial is being edited by a family member or someone with a legitimate connection.

Conclusion

The FindAGrave update is a significant change that aims to improve the experience for users while addressing concerns about privacy, accuracy, and memorial management. By focusing on relationships and providing more control to family members, the update helps ensure that memorials are accurate, respectful, and easily managed by those who are closest to the deceased.