Funeral arrangements for unmarried woman
Mar 10, 2010 / By: Cheryl K. David, Estate Planning Attorney / Category: Estate Planning, Probate Questions“If a mother dies and she is not married, does the responsibility of her funeral arrangements fall on the eldest son?”
If your mother doesn’t designate in advance how she wants her funeral arrangements handled, morally you might feel compelled to make such arrangements, but legally you are not obligated. By NC statute a majority of the surviving children over 18 can authorize the funeral arrangements and bind the estate to pay the expense if no one was nominated in a funeral contract, cremation authorization form, will, or written statement signed by the decedent and witnessed by two persons who are at least 18 years of age. If your mother’s children don’t handle the arrangements her parents and then her siblings would be next in line. I would suggest that your mother nominate someone to handle her funeral arrangements in one of the ways listed above.
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Law Offices of Cheryl David
5606 W. Friendly Ave
Greensboro, NC 27410
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The advice above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney client relationship.
The Law Offices Of Cheryl David is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.
