From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Funeral Bill Responsibility in Lehigh County

Most Recently Updated July 20, 2018.

“My father-in-law died in Lehigh County without a Will. My wife has one brother who is younger than her. Who is responsible for his funeral bill, as the funeral director is billing us?”

Funeral Bill Responsibility in Lehigh County

Funeral Bill Responsibility in Lehigh County

Typically, when a person dies the family will make arrangements with the funeral director to pay the bill themselves and then are 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, though I am sure the funeral director would prefer that you pay that bill.

If your father-in-law died a single man without a Will, then your wife and her brother under the rules of intestacy inherit his probate estate equally. The only way to receive these assets is to open his estate as an Administration with the Lehigh County Register of Wills. But, if you do open the estate, his creditors (including the funeral director) must be paid before they receive anything. If your father-in-law’s creditor’s claims exceed his assets, then your wife has 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: Funeral Bill Responsibility in Lehigh County

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining the funeral bill. 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: creditor claims, Funeral Directive, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Probate, Probate Attorney, Probate Lawyer