A patron at the Family History Center asked a question that our teacher was unable to answer. Upon further investigation, she was able to find an answer, which we feel might be of interest to other patrons:
What happens to the names reserved by an individual in his temple file in Family Tree upon his death? The answer was found in the Help Center by simply asking that question when signed in to FamilySearch.
There are three possible reasons discussed in the article why someone may not have access to their reserved temple names:
① Patron Dies
- No one can print new family name cards from the temple ordinance list of the locked account.
- Temples continue to do the work for names already shared with the temple.
- Names not shared with the temple— both printed and unprinted—can be released upon request, subject to the current 110-year approval process
- Family and friends can complete family names cards printed before the account was locked; however, they should check to be sure the ordinances are not already completed.
② Patron Becomes Incapacitated
When a member of the Church becomes incapacitated, other members can use the helper function to access the temple ordinance list of the member’s account.
③ Patron is Excommunicated
When a member of the Church is excommunicated, the FamilySearch Account changes to a public (nonmember) account. As a result, the following changes occur in relation to the temple ordinance list:
- The temple ordinance list becomes unavailable to the patron and to helpers accessing the account.
- Temples continue to do the work for names already shared with the temple.
- Names not shared with the temple— both printed and unprinted—can be released upon request, subject to the current 110-year approval process
- Family and friends can complete family name cards printed before the account was changed; however, they should check to be sure the ordinances are not already completed.
Request to Claim Family Names
To claim the entire temple ordinance list of a deceased, incapacitated, or excommunicated relative, contact FamilySearch Support. At the top right of FamilySearch.org, click Help, and then click Contact Us. Scroll to Send a Message and complete the message form. Include the following information:
- A few of the ID numbers, names, and birth dates of the individuals you believe are on the temple ordinance list.
- Name of the deceased, incapacitated, or excommunicated relative, and the pertinent information below:
- For a deceased relative, provide some form of documentation (such as a death certificate, obituary, or funeral program). Note: Death added by LDS Church Membership in Latest Changes is sufficient.
- For an incapacitated relative, provide a statement indicating why the relative is incapacitated.
- For an excommunicated relative, provide a statement regarding that membership status.
- Your relationship to the relative whose reservation list you want to claim.
- Your username and helper number