Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Louisiana
Burial expense
My father resides in Louisiana. He divorced my mother when I was 17, I am now 46. I have not seen him since I was in my early 20's. Will I be responsible for burial and medical expenses when he dies?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Burial expense
The only way that you can be made to pay burial expenses is if you contract for them. If you make the funeral arrangements or agree to pay them, they become your obligation.
If nobody agrees to pay the expenses, then however the local government disposes of unclaimed remains will be used for his.
Re: Burial expense
I missed a portion of your question, which I will answer now.
Regarding medical expenses, and any other debts that might be owed from his life, if you are his heir, then you would normally inherit both his assets and his debts. You can always renounce the entire succession if the debts are larger than the assets. These debts will belong to the heirs if they decide that the estate is worth it.
Re: Burial expense
You would not be personally liable, although his estate would be. If you are his only heir, then you would inherit any portion of his estate in excess of his last expenses.
The estate would have to be settled in Louisiana, where your father resided.