Who Is Legally Responsible For The Burial Expenses And Other Debt Of An Unmarried Person Who Had A Live-In Partner?
Who is legally responsible for the burial expenses and other debt of an unmarried person who had a live-in partner?
The law surrounding who is responsible for the burial expenses and other debts of an unmarried person who had a live-in partner is varied and can be quite confusing. It's best to consult an attorney if you have legal questions, but here are some quick tips:
Check your state's laws regarding obligations of a deceased person's estate. Some states place the burden of a deceased person's expenses on the estate, including funeral costs. Other states only require that the estate pay for the funeral costs of someone who was legally married to them at the time of their death. Some even require that the estate pay for burial costs in some situations but not others.
1. If the deceased person owned real property, their partner may inherit title to that property. Likewise, if they own inherited real property or other assets, those will be transferred to their partner as well.
2. If there is no will in place, which is usually when this question arises due to a lack of legal marriage, then it comes down to intestacy statutes in your state. Intestacy statutes determine whether someone has legally designated someone else as their beneficiary and what happens if they haven't done so. Again, you should consult an attorney who is licensed in your state.
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8833 S Redwood Road Suite C
West Jordan UT 84088
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