QUESTION
Who is responsible for paying for the headstone on the funeral? The spouse or the children?
Asked on Jul 04th, 2013 on Estate Planning - Massachusetts
12 ANSWERS
Neither. Its is the estate that pays for it, which then reduces the amount available to the heirs, so they pay for it directly.
Answered on Jul 14th, 2013 at 10:32 PM
2 Awards
There isn't necessary a responsible party. Whomever can should.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 2:39 PM
Probate Attorney serving Newport, OR
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Minor, Bandonis & Haggerty P.C.
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The estate.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 2:35 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Florissant, MO
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Law Offices of Thomas Corcoran Phipps
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If someone ordered the headstone, that person would have to pay. If there is a will authorizing payment for a headstone from the estate, then the money could come out of estate funds.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 11:22 AM
Funeral and burial expenses are normally an expense of the estate of the deceased. If the deceased's estate is insufficient for this purpose, then the family can agree how best to pay these expenses.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Thomas Edward Gates
The spouse is responsible.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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Whoever ordered it.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Probate Attorney serving New Orleans, LA
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James G. Maguire
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The decedent's estate is responsible, and that is usually both the spouse and the children.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Estate Planning Attorney serving Torrance, CA
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The Law Office of Kelvin Green
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Burial expenses normally come out of the estate, neither should have to pay. The executor should deal with this.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 11:06 AM
No one is obligated to pay for a headstone. The deceased's estate pays for the funeral unless there are no assets in the estate. Then the immediate family covers the costs.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Business Planning Attorney serving Livonia, MI
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Frederick & Frederick Attorneys at Law
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The estate pays for funeral expenses. The costs come "off the top." The reality is that, if the spouse is the sole beneficiary of the estate, then the spouse will indirectly pay for this.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 11:06 AM
No one is particularly responsible! You should pay for it." It is not a matter of who should pay it is a matter of who wants the headstone there. Whom ever then should either pay for it or contribute to paying for it. However, if a headstone was mentioned in the will, then the Estate executor would likely pay from the estate.
Answered on Jul 08th, 2013 at 10:07 AM