Contents
Why do you merge memorials when duplicate memorials are reported?
What happens to pending Suggested Edits or Photo Requests when memorials are merged?
What can I do when there are two duplicate memorials to report?
When will the duplicate that I reported be processed?
How do you determine which memorial to keep?
What information does Find a Grave need to determine a merge when the memorials are in different cemeteries?
 

Why do you merge memorials when duplicate memorials are reported?

We prefer to merge memorials so that information, photos, and flowers are not lost. Merging also preserves the link to the memorial in a virtual cemetery or if the memorial has been linked to or from other websites. To learn how to report a duplicate memorial, click here.

What happens to pending Suggested Edits or Photo Requests when memorials are merged?

When memorials are merged together, any pending edits or photo requests for the merged memorial are not kept. You may send the edit again or request a photo on the memorial that was kept in the merge process.

What can I do when there are two duplicate memorials to report?

Report the first duplicate. You’ll receive notification when that request has been processed, then you can report the second duplicate memorial. 

When will the duplicate that I reported be processed?

Some merges are simple and accepted quickly while others need to be reviewed and can take a little longer. We appreciate the work you do to help clean up information on the site will send you an email notification when the merge has been processed.

How do you determine which memorial to keep?

Generally, the first memorial in the correct cemetery is the memorial that is kept. Cenotaphs marked in a cemetery are kept over alternate dispositions. Consideration will be given to memorials managed by a close relative. It is difficult for us to know if a memorial is managed by a close family member, so be sure to let us know if that is the case. If you have other information that will help us merge the memorials in the best way, please include a note with your merge suggestion and we will review it.
 

What information does Find a Grave need to determine a merge when the memorials are in different cemeteries?

We need the member reporting the merge to state their knowledge that the memorial reported is a duplicate memorial and provide any needed information relevant to merging the memorials. Do your best to verify the information before reporting the duplicate memorial. If we have a question, we'll Decline the merge and ask for more information.

To learn more about how to report a duplicate see this article, Report Duplicate Basics.