Navigating the administrative and legal requirements after a loss in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Allis, Bay View, or the surrounding Southeastern Wisconsin area requires an understanding of specific Badger State jurisdictional rules. As the central authority for DFS Memorials in Wisconsin, this hub provides the essential technical data and resources needed to manage final arrangements throughout the county.
Milwaukee County Jurisdictional Contact Data
In Milwaukee County, the Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for investigating certain deaths and must issue a mandatory permit before any cremation can occur within the county.
Official County Name: Milwaukee County
Medical Examiner Office: Milwaukee County Medical Examiner
Primary Address: 933 West Highland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233
(Note: A new Forensic Science & Protective Medicine Facility at 9400 W. Doyne Avenue is expected to open in Spring 2026.)
Main Contact Phone: (414) 223-1200
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Investigators available 24/7).
Our local providers coordinate directly with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner to ensure all legal release authorizations and medical certifications are secured before the cremation process begins.
Milwaukee County Permitting and Mandatory Fees
Wisconsin law and Milwaukee County ordinances mandate specific permits and fees for final disposition by cremation.
Cremation Permit Fee: Per Wis. Stat. § 979.10, the Medical Examiner of the county in which the death occurred must issue a cremation permit. In Milwaukee County, the 2026 permit fee is $393.00.
48-Hour Waiting Period: Per Wis. Stat. § 979.10(1)(a), a body may not be cremated until at least 48 hours have elapsed after the death (unless the death was caused by a contagious disease).
View Requirement: The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office requires a physical viewing of the deceased by a staff member before issuing a cremation permit to ensure no further judicial inquiry is necessary.
