My ex-husband just passed and I was told by the funeral home that being that we were married 25 years and never married anyone else that I am responsible for half of the funeral expense. Is this true that there is a law for this?
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That sounds like some weird idea that perhaps some of your ex-husbands relatives dreamed up to save them money. You better consult an attorney about this matter. However, I don't know why, being you are divorced you would be responsible for part of the expenses.
You have no responsibility for your ex spouses funeral expenses. I think redhatterb is right, someone is trying to put one over on you.
Sounds to me like the funeral home is doing a number on you, trying to "sell" you.
Despite being divorced, you were together a number of years and I'm sorry for your loss.
I enjoy learning. I do a lot of research on the Internet. This time I'll guess, instead. If anyone does research this subject, they are welcome to show me right or wrong.
I'm guessing there's no state or federal law making anyone responsible for anothers funeral expenses. That includes children, parents, spouses or ex spouses.
Even if you were the beneficiary of a burial policy for the deceased, I don't think there's any law requiring a person to use the money for its intended purpose.
We may, in time, be required to carry burial insurance made payable to a state approved or state appointed undertaker....pretty much like today's car insurance. I wouldn't doubt it.
Hope I haven't given the undertakers and legislators any ideas.
I never heard of such a thing! Please check with your state and local governments about this. I think someone is trying to take advantage of you.
Absolutely not! You are NOT responsible for any of the burial costs!
I certainly agree with everyone who posted about you NOT being responsible for any part of his funeral expenses.
But I believe you should report the funeral home to your state/county legislators as they could just be trying to get "extra" money - maybe unbeknownst to his family. Either way - it is probably not totally legal. Reporting them may save some future family from being "threaten" into paying something they may/are not respnsible for.
On the brighter side - seeing as how long you were married - you may be able to draw from his Social Security benefits (when you are eligible) that could (?) be higher than your personal benefits.
Just a thought as this would only benefit you if his income over the years was higher than yours (or maybe even higher than a present husband). Only the SSA can give you answers to this question.
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