Who decides what happens to the deceased after death?
The very sensitive and difficult task of who has the right to choose how the deceased is to be disposed of, where they are buried and/or cremated and then who owns the ashes are not really for the Courts to decide because hopefully the family can agree. If the deceased left a Will and made directions for his Executors to carry out, then the family are often content with that.
But who owns the corpse (the body of the deceased)?
Under English Law there is “no property in a corpse” and as a result any direction in a Will as to funeral wishes is not legally binding. A corpse is incapable of being the subject of property transactions or offences; for example, it cannot be bought or sold, stolen or criminally damaged, or seized by the deceased’s creditors as security for his debts.
How can the deceased be disposed of?
Disposal other than by burial or cremation (the main methods of disposal) are not forbidden (e.g. mummification, cryonics, plastination). However, this is very rarely used.
What is a pre-paid Funeral Plan?
This is a way or arranging your burial and cremation in advance by pre-paying for it at today’s prices. For more information juts call 01752 607040 or email wills@thewillcentre.com