Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Funeral service expenses

I received a letter from an attorney representing the funeral home where my mother was laid out after her death. They are trying to collect a debt of $5,395 for funeral services. My mother died in march, 1995. I did not have access to funds to pay this debt in 1995, nor do i now. I moved since that time and it must have taken them this long to locate me. Is there a statute of limitations on being able to collect a debt from 1995? And can they sue me or place judgements against me? I do not own any real estate and i make $9.75 an hour so i cannot afford an attorney. Should i call them or just ignore them?


Asked on 12/05/03, 2:58 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: Funeral service expenses

If no lawsuit was filed and no judgment was taken against you, the claim may be barred by Pennsylvania's 4-year statute of limitations for contract claims.

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Answered on 12/11/03, 7:03 pm

Re: Funeral service expenses

Number one, NEVER ignore ANY legal action. Number two, your mother died, not you, so her estate should have paid for her funeral. Unless you AGREED to be liable for the costs, and signed papers to that effect, they can not make you pay for them.

Is there a legal judgment against you? If there is, you have to file a motion to vacate the judgment if you did not sign papers saying that you would be responsible for her funeral expenses. You CAN do this yourself, but if you do not make enough, you can apply for legal assistance. Call your local bar association and ask what help may be available to you.

Good luck.

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Answered on 12/08/03, 10:55 am


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