Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
THIS QUESTION IS BEING RESUBMITTED FOR CLARIFICATION
Back in September of this year, my estranged nephew who was 27 years old, committed suicide. After learning the Los Angeles County Coroner was trying to locate a next-of-kin at my former place of employment, I called the LA Co. Coroner to discover that it was my nephew whose body they had. After picking up his wallet and making funeral arrangements at a local mortuary for him (nephew was unemployed and destitute) I received a bill 3 months later from the Coroner's office requesting $346 for transportation and personal handling from the scene of the suicide. I paid a mortuary to pick up his remains from the Coroner�s facility. Am I liable for this charge?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Question should be directed to a collection lawyer.
The bill would normally be paid from the estate of your nephew. The facts you present do not suggest to me that you have any personal liability for this bill.
It may make sense for you to call the coroner's office and explain that you are not handling your nephew's estate. They will likely ask you questions as to where the bill should be directed, and you should provide the appropriate information as to your nephew's family and the handling of his affairs.
That bill sounds fishy to me. It's the Coroner's job to pick up and transport a body in a situation like that, until the death investigation is complete. I'd ask for some legal authority for them to bill you.
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