Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

taking possession of mother's ashes
What are my rights as to claiming my mom's ashes from the trustee/ husband of 5 yrs. She died and had memorial service in CA. which I could not attend and no consideration was given to me or my family to change the date. She is to be buried in IN. per her wishes, next to my Dad., but neither myself or anyone of my mom's releatives want the ''husband'' to attend the services in Indiana. What are my brother's amd my right to claiming mom's ashes and not having the h8usband attend this memorial service?

Asked on 6/04/08, 2:59 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

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Re: taking possession of mother's ashes

Your late mother's ashes will be handles in the manner she chose in her will. If she had no will or if the will was silent as to who will have custody of her ashes pending her burial, then the responsibility is her husband's.

You cannot exclude the husband from your mother's burial. If anyone has such a right, it is he who could choose to exclude you. Be glad that he hasn't.

Regardless of how you feel about this man, he was her husband. Spouses of the deceased generally have more rights than do their surviving children. There is probably nothing you can do to get around this fact. As Mr. Lee suggested, you need to come to terms with the situation.

Answered on 6/04/08, 4:49 pm

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