Vendors who provide Funeral products and services (Burial, Cremation, event services, etc), often require payment before an Estate has been finally settled.

This could even be before an Estate Account with available money has been opened.

As a result, an Executor or Administrator will need to determine a different method of payment.

Options include, but are not limited to:

Pay Service Providers Directly

• The Executor, Next of Kin, family, friends, or whomever, pays all necessary expenses


• Or if the deceased's bank account was jointly owned, then that person can submit payment directly from the account


• No matter who pays, keep receipts of all purchases so they can be classified as an Estate expense rather than Inheritance


• At a later date, submit an invoice to the Estate with an itemized list of all purchased items, along with receipts


• If issues arise and payment is not provided, file a claim against the Estate; note that some states have specified time frames for which claims can be named so review soon if the issue persists

Assign Life Insurance Policy to Funeral Home

• States may allow the Executor to change Life Insurance payments originally slated for the Estate to go directly to a Funeral Home


• Be careful not to assign more than is needed for the total sum of needed products and services


• Review state law at the links below before, or consult a Probate Attorney, before speaking with a Funeral Director

Funeral Home Submits Claim

• Although uncommon, Funeral Homes can file a claim against the Estate in order to be paid for services rendered


• Because Funeral costs are priority claims are most often paid first, Funeral Directors may be willing to collect payment from the Estate at later date

Note: if all payments have already been made, then prioritize the reimbursement any person who helped provide funds.

See the below links for more information about paying Funeral expenses.