Did myfather;s girlfriendhave the right to have my father cremated if he was still legally married to my mother?

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Did myfather;s girlfriendhave the right to have my father cremated if he was still legally married to my mother?

My mother and father were never divorced; they were legally separated. She received his SS benefits until she passed away.

Asked on September 19, 2011 under Estate Planning, North Carolina

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

In most states in this country, the surviving next of kin has the final determination as to how the deceased's remains are ultimately taken care of in the event that other close family members cannot come to a uniform agreement taking into great consideration the deceased's final wishes.

Meaning, if there is a writing signed by the person who passes stating a certain way for burial or a desire for cremation, those wishes are typically respected by family members and the closest surviving relative.

Since your father had a girlfriend but he never divorced your mother, the girlfriend would have no say as to have your father's remains are disposed of.

Good question.


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