From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Who Pays Bucks County Funeral Bill Expenses

Most Recently Updated July 15, 2018.

“My father died in Bucks County, divorced from my mother and without a will. I have one sister who is younger than me. As the oldest child, the funeral director is billing me! Am I responsible for the bill?”

Who Pays Bucks County Funeral Bill Expenses

When someone dies, the deceased’s family will typically make arrangements with the funeral director to pay the bill themselves, then get reimbursed by the estate.

Often, the funeral director will not take on the expense of the funeral without knowing they will be paid. Your question makes it sound as if you did not agree ahead of time to be responsible for the bill. If so, then you are not responsible to pay the bill. (That said, I am sure the funeral director would prefer that you pay that bill.)

Creditors and an Open Estate

If your father died a single man without a will, then you and your sister inherit his probate estate equally, under the rules of intestacy. The only way to receive these assets is to open his estate as an Administration with the Bucks County Register of Wills. But, if you do open the estate, his creditors (including the funeral director) must be paid before you receive anything. If debts to your father’s creditors exceed his assets, then you have to consider the wisdom of opening his estate.

More Probate Questions?

The funeral bill is only part of the overall probate process. By all means, if you wish to learn more, please read my more detailed article, The Probate Process All You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Who Pays Bucks County Funeral Bill Expenses

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining the funeral bill claim. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Probate Lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced Probate Attorneys.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to make the process as painless as possible!

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Tags: Bucks County, creditor claims, Funeral Directive, Intestate, Pennsylvania, Probate, Probate Attorney, Probate Lawyer