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Am I liable for estranged father's debts and funeral?
RandyRos
Posts: 561 Forumite
I just found out on Facebook that my dad has died. Newspaper article looking for next of kin.
I hadn't seen or spoken to him for about 6years, since my mum died because he mentally abused us both.
I know I probably sound heartless (I know I am in shock atm) but my family is struggling with money anyway & I'm worried about the cost of the funeral and any Provident debts he had.
I have one brother who I don't talk to cos he abused my mum & he moved away years ago, no-one knows where.
My dad has a brother, but they weren't in contact either.
I will shoulder my responsibility to clear out dad's bungalow and arrange the funeral (if I have to. I'm Manic Depressive) so my uncle doesn't have to. He had to bury their other brother a few years ago.
But will I get left with the funeral bill and any debts he had? TIA
I hadn't seen or spoken to him for about 6years, since my mum died because he mentally abused us both.
I know I probably sound heartless (I know I am in shock atm) but my family is struggling with money anyway & I'm worried about the cost of the funeral and any Provident debts he had.
I have one brother who I don't talk to cos he abused my mum & he moved away years ago, no-one knows where.
My dad has a brother, but they weren't in contact either.
I will shoulder my responsibility to clear out dad's bungalow and arrange the funeral (if I have to. I'm Manic Depressive) so my uncle doesn't have to. He had to bury their other brother a few years ago.
But will I get left with the funeral bill and any debts he had? TIA
If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all 
0
Comments
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You are not legally liable. If you arrange the funeral you would be. If there is no money then the local authority or hospital will arrange and pay for a public health funeral.I just found out on Facebook that my dad has died. Newspaper article looking for next of kin.
I hadn't seen or spoken to him for about 6years, since my mum died because he mentally abused us both.
I know I probably sound heartless (I know I am in shock atm) but my family is struggling with money anyway & I'm worried about the cost of the funeral and any Prudential debts he had.
I have one brother who I don't talk to cos he abused my mum & he moved away years ago, no-one knows where.
My dad has a brother, but they weren't in contact either.
I will shoulder my responsibility to clear out dad's bungalow and arrange the funeral (if I have to. I'm Manic Depressive) so my uncle doesn't have to. He had to bury their other brother a few years ago.
But will I get left with the funeral bill and any debts he had? TIA0 -
I just found out on Facebook that my dad has died. Newspaper article looking for next of kin.
It's possible that the executors are looking for beneficiaries of his estate.
It would be worth contacting whoever is mentioned in the article. Use a mobile number or a throw-away email address if you want to be cautious.
No matter what happens, unless you sign the paperwork arranging the funeral, you will not have to pay for it. Neither will you be responsible for any debts he had.0 -
You are not liable for the funeral costs; these come out of the estate if there is enough money. If not then either the hospital or local authority will cover the cost of a basic public health funeral.
You do not have to do any of the other tasks unless you want and if the estate is insolvent, it would be a good idea to leave it alone.
Are you in touch with Uncle?If you've have not made a mistake, you've made nothing0 -
It's possible that the executors are looking for beneficiaries of his estate.
It would be worth contacting whoever is mentioned in the article. Use a mobile number or a throw-away email address if you want to be cautious.
No matter what happens, unless you sign the paperwork arranging the funeral, you will not have to pay for it. Neither will you be responsible for any debts he had.
no-one is mentioned in the article http://www.becclesandbungayjournal.co.uk/news/appeal_to_trace_beccles_man_s_next_of_kin_1_3962647?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=twitterfeedIf you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all0 -
no-one is mentioned in the article http://www.becclesandbungayjournal.co.uk/news/appeal_to_trace_beccles_man_s_next_of_kin_1_3962647?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=twitterfeed
Contact the coroner's office and have a chat about the situation.
You won't be held responsible for anything if you don't want to take it on.0 -
You are not liable for the funeral costs; these come out of the estate if there is enough money. If not then either the hospital or local authority will cover the cost of a basic public health funeral.
You do not have to do any of the other tasks unless you want and if the estate is insolvent, it would be a good idea to leave it alone.
Are you in touch with Uncle?
Just to clarify, there will be no money or anything of any value. He named his carer/friend/girlfriend (depending on who you talk to) as next of kin. I spoke to my uncle & my dad hadn't spoken to him for years. He is financially tight right now (as I am) & he's worried that by me contacting the coroner, I have made myself or him liable for all costs. I told him I will phone the coroner again tomorrow to make it clear that neither of us want to be responsible.
We are happy for his girlfriend to sort it all out. The only thing I would like is a chance to see if he kept any photos of me and my mum that I can have. The only thing I have of my late mum is her wedding ring. She gave it to me on her deathbed because she didn't want my dad to have it. If the girlfriend is hostile, I guess I'm no better or worse off than yesterday.If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all0 -
Contact the coroner's office and have a chat about the situation.
You won't be held responsible for anything if you don't want to take it on.
Oh I hope so. I'm calm now, but I'm sure it won't last long. God job I'm seeing my Psychiatrist on monday!If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all0 -
Relax! You have not made yourself liable by talking to the coroner. Just resist any pressure from anyone to pay. Local authorities occasionally try and pressure relatives into paying.Just to clarify, there will be no money or anything of any value. He named his carer/friend/girlfriend (depending on who you talk to) as next of kin. I spoke to my uncle & my dad hadn't spoken to him for years. He is financially tight right now (as I am) & he's worried that by me contacting the coroner, I have made myself or him liable for all costs. I told him I will phone the coroner again tomorrow to make it clear that neither of us want to be responsible.
We are happy for his girlfriend to sort it all out. The only thing I would like is a chance to see if he kept any photos of me and my mum that I can have. The only thing I have of my late mum is her wedding ring. She gave it to me on her deathbed because she didn't want my dad to have it. If the girlfriend is hostile, I guess I'm no better or worse off than yesterday.0 -
OP, you can speak to whoever you like about the situation including his girlfriend to find out if there are any photos.
There is nothing that can make you or his girlfriend personally liable for sorting out his estate or for any of his debts. His estate is liable and if it is insolvent or does not contain enough to cover funeral costs you cannot be forced to do anything or pay anything. Even if they have your name and address, you can simply tell them you are not willing to be involved (although it is probably best not to give them your address details!).
Whoever he owes money to will have to decide what to do about his estate. It is unlikely they will be interested in his personal possessions (like photographs) unless they can be sold to pay debts.Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are incapable of forming such opinions.0 -
thank you all for your advice The carer/gf has been in contact & agrees to let the state bury him. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all0
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