Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts

have signed contract for my mom's funeral arrangements. was making monthly payments. mom died before it was paid in full. my sister paid the bill in full. now she says she owns the urn and my mom's ashes and can do what ever she wants with them. is she right?


Asked on 4/05/12, 11:54 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

No, she is not correct. However, I think you and your sister should agree without going to court as to how your mother's ashes should be handled. If your mother had a Will or letter of Instruction as to what she wanted, if reasonable and doable, that is what should be done.

You and your mother signed the contract. The fact she paid the balance does not give her any rights over the remains. How the remains are ultimately handled will be determined by the Executor, Administrator or Personal Representative of her estate.

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Answered on 4/05/12, 11:58 am


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