Funeral costs for next of kin

Poppyec

Hi guys, just wondered if anyone can give me advise on a current situation.
The police advised that my father had passed away on saturday, left no will and has no money. 
I havent seen my dad for around 10 +years after issues with the police and generally him being a VERY bad person. 
The police said his girlfriend wants to arrange the funeral, but I need to contact her to confirm this. Will I still be expected to pay for the funeral and the house clearence or would it then be down to the girlfriend? 
He knew he was dieng but still didnt make any arrangements and expected his kids who he never bothered with to pay the bill.
I am on a very tight budget as it is and literally dont have a spare penny.
Many thanks

Mojisola

You don't have any responsibility for the funeral costs or anything else to do with his estate.

Just confirm with his GF that she can go ahead and deal with everything.

Mojisola

Mickey666 said:

Why does the OP 'need' to contact the girlfriend?  OP might be next of kin but if they have no responsibilities then why the need to contact anyone?  What are the police going to do, refuse to allow the funeral to go ahead?

If the police have told his GF that she can't go ahead without hearing from the OP, it doesn't seem fair to keep her hanging on.

Savvy_Sue

Text or email: "Dear g/f, This is to confirm that you are very welcome to go ahead and arrange my dad's funeral and deal with his estate. I have no interest in either and do not require any further news of his affairs. I am sorry for your loss. Best, Poppyec"

Amend as you wish ... 

Tigsteroonie

I'm wondering why the police are even involved?

Silvertabby

If GF expects you to pay for the funeral then note that you are under absolutely no obligation to do so.

The only person who is responsible for funeral costs is the person who signs the funeral directors contract.

If the GF doesn't have any money - and if your dad didn't leave an estate - then the Council will arrange a (horribly named, I know) 'Public Health Funeral'. 

Depending on the Council, it may not be possible for family/friends to attend the service - and, in the case of a burial, headstones aren't allowed. 

Poppyec

Thanks for all the advise guys 

Silvertabby

Mickey666 said:

Silvertabby said:

If the GF doesn't have any money - and if your dad didn't leave an estate - then the Council will arrange a (horribly named, I know) 'Public Health Funeral'. 

Depending on the Council, it may not be possible for family/friends to attend the service - and, in the case of a burial, headstones aren't allowed. 

Is that headstone rule forever?  I understand the reasoning at the time of the funeral, but what if the family later come into some money, could they pay for a headstone then?  or perhaps they'd have to repay the funeral costs first?  Just wondering.

My understanding is no, because the graves aren't individual named plots.  This is why many families prefer to go into debt rather than abide by these rules.  

Mickey666

I get that funerals are very personal things, but I've always thought it odd that distant friends and family are often willing to travel sometimes hundreds of miles for a funeral of someone they've hardly seen in years and say nice things about them.  How much nicer for the deceased if they'd made the effort when they were alive.  Likewise the costs.  How much better to spend the money on a nice party for friends and family that the deceased could have enjoyed while they were alive!

My in-laws hated funerals, never attended any all the time I knew them and wanted to be buried as cheaply as possible in their garden - which we did.  Cheap as chips. 

I've donated my body to medical science, so should be even cheaper as they collect for free and there will be no need to pay anyone to dig a hole

sheramber

 Council may do direct cremation so no plot for a headstone.
If the father was  found dead at home then the police would be called in. 
The police do  call to notify someone  of a death in certain circumstances.  When my BIL was killed in a rta my sister asked them to notify me and a policemen came to my door to tell me.

Poppyec

Do I need to put anything in writing and get her to sign it? They dont live together so not sure if that makes a difference for her accessing his flat etc.
Ty