Rest In Peace

Who should pay for the funeral?

My uncle died and his estranged wife stated that she didn't want anything to do with the funeral arrangements. She will not make any arrangements and she will not sign over the rights to my aunt so she can make the arrangements. What can the funeral home do and who should pay? When I use ther term aunt I mean my uncle's sister.

Public Comments

1. Well if she is still married to him and she'll be receiveing whatever is left in his estate, she should pay for it.
2. If your aunt is or was married to your uncle, his estranged wife may not want to deal with her. See if she will sign off to someone else. Otherwise, consult with the funeral director. They will have the best info available as the laws and practices apply in your state/province/country.
3. next to kin
4. The estranged wife will be billed for the funeral and the estate will have a lein placed on it.
5. If the body isn't claimed, usually the state will bury him.