ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
I was P.O.A. for someone who just passed, her wish was to be cremated. Now that I have had the funeral home take care of this, I need to know if I can write a check out to the funeral home. It is my understanding my role as P.O.A. ceased as of her passing. what can I do. there is no executor of her estate
ATTORNEY ANSWER BY MARGARET L. CROSS BELIVEAU:
As power of attorney, your authority ceased upon her passing. If she owned a joint account, the joint owner can write out the check. If there are no joint owners, the cost of the funeral becomes a debt of the estate. Often times, family members pay for the funeral themselves and then are reimbursed once the executor of the estate is appointed.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice.
Beliveau Law Group: Massachusetts | Florida | New Hampshire
The estate administration attorneys at the Beliveau Law Group provides legal services for probate, estate administration, and trust administration. The law firm has offices and attorneys in Naples, Florida; Waltham, Massachusetts; and Salem, New Hampshire.
