When someone passes away, no one wants the responsibility of making funeral arrangements. Although anyone can do it, you may wonder who is actually responsible for planning the funeral.
The responsibility of arranging and covering the costs of the funeral typically falls to the person named as the executor in the will of the deceased, which can be anyone but is often a close relative or friend.
If the deceased did not make a will, the responsibility will fall to the next of kin. This is the person who was the closest living relative to the deceased at the time of their death, which is often the spouse, sibling, or child of the person who died.
As a last resort, if there is no one to make funeral arrangements and there are no funds available to cover the costs, the local authority will arrange a simple and short, yet dignified public health funeral.
If the responsibility has fallen to you, and you are not sure where to start, or if you are struggling to arrange or pay for the funeral, then read on.
Paying for a funeral
The executor or next of kin will typically have legal access to the estate of the deceased. If they left behind savings or assets, then you can usually use these to cover the costs of their funeral.
In some cases, the person who has died may have had life insurance or a funeral plan in place to fund or help towards the cost of a funeral.
If you are struggling to pay for the funeral, you may be entitled to government support, such as a Funeral Expenses Payment, Bereavement Support Payment, a Budgeting Advance, or Guardian’s Allowance.
You could get a Funeral Expenses Payment if you get certain benefits, or a Budgeting Advance if you receive Universal Credit. You may be able to get Bereavement Support Payment if your spouse or civil partner died in the last 21 months.
Arranging a funeral
People sometimes leave instructions about the type of funeral or burial they wanted. Although there is no legal obligation to follow these instructions, their wishes are usually honoured.
If instructions were not left and you are not sure what they would have liked, speak to friends or family of the deceased, if you can, for their support and suggestions.
You can also get advice from the funeral directors. They are experts in this field and can guide you through the whole process, from picking a coffin or casket, to selecting music, to choosing the flowers.
During difficult times, you need the reassurance of experience, expertise, and empathy, all of which you can rely on Craven Funeral Directors for.
Since Craven Funeral Directors was founded in the 1920s, we have established a reputation for excellence, and we are now the largest independent funeral providers in Merseyside and North Cheshire.
For expert advice on planning a funeral service that meets your requirements and exceeds your expectations, please get in touch with our team on 0151 228 3900.
If you do not feel up to speaking to someone, don’t worry. Fill out an enquiry form and we will advise on the cost of the funeral and discuss the necessary arrangements. We are here to help.