How to Handle Specific Funeral Situations

Funeral situations

Anyone who has planned, executed or attended a funeral has probably encountered certain funeral situations. These are those situations that you may not be prepared to address.

Request for the decedent’s possessions

When a loved one dies, you should be prepared to be receive one or more requests for the decedent’s possessions. Resist the urge to accommodate such requests – no matter how adamant or small the request – as you will be personally responsible for the asset or value of the asset.

• Assets are the property of the decedent’s estate.
• The estate may be subject to probate.
• The estate may have a legal executor who handles the probate.
• Estate assets may be subject to creditors.
• Asset distribution may be stipulated in a will.

Suggested response

•  “I cannot legally accommodate your request.”