Funerals – A sensitive issue for Executors further complicated by Covid-19 Rules

Jun 3, 2020

The media is full of reports of the additional stress and distress caused by the need to socially isolate in circumstances where loved ones are close to death and family members have to be excluded from their bedside. That stress is increased when only immediate family members preferably of the same household, can be present at the funeral and have to maintain a safe distance whilst attending. Wakes, open coffins and other ways by which family and friends can pay their respects or celebrate the life of the deceased cannot take place. All of this makes commencing the grieving process even more difficult.

In the middle of all of this are Executors appointed by the deceased in their Will to deal with their affairs after death. Many Wills contain clear instructions as to the type of funeral (burial/cremation/at sea) wished by the deceased and it is not uncommon to have quite precise details in a letter kept with the Will of how the funeral ceremony itself should be conducted and for example where ashes should be scattered.

Many Executors are also family members and must walk the difficult tightrope of trying to do what the deceased wanted; or what the family considers is right; whilst remaining inside the emergency legislation. Certain things are clearly not possible at present and in many ways that is the most straight forward of decisions to be made by Executors when dealing with funerals.

The most difficult aspect for many family members to accept is that the primary duty to properly deal with “disposal” of the body falls to the Executors (or Personal Representatives if the deceased had no Will). They have the right to take possession of the body and to decide on place and mode of burial even if other family members object. They must have regard to the wishes of the deceased, but they are not bound by them.  Likewise, it is the Executors who have the right to choose the Headstone and inscription.

In the vast majority of cases the Executors will try and find a way to follow the deceased’s wishes or the wishes of the majority of the family where the deceased expressed no preference in the Will or in a letter of wishes left with the Will.  They can for example agree that the ashes following a cremation can be divided between two sections of the family who are not in agreement with how they should be disposed of. They can choose not to follow the deceased’s wishes if the family are agreed as to something else and particularly if that wish was expressed in a Will made many years ago and the situation then was very different.

There are (fortunately) very few cases where the dispute is so intense that the Courts get involved. Those that do come before the Courts are mainly where co-Executors cannot agree things between them. A Court will rarely agree to divide the ashes if one Executor is strongly opposed to it. The Judge will make a decision and it will be one which will try and do justice and fairness to both sides. Ultimately however the cost and additional distress of making the Court decide will have a catastrophic effect on the wider family dynamics for years to come.

Our Dispute Resolution Team deals with many contentious probate issues and can be contacted on DRTeam@herrington-carmichael.com or 01276 686222.

This reflects the law at the date of publication and is written as a general guide. It does not contain definitive legal advice, which should be sought as appropriate in relation to a particular matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frankie Tierney

Partner, Head of Disputes and Claims  

Podcasts

Categories

Latest Articles & Legal Insights

When can a Will be Challenged?

When can a Will be Challenged?

Families are complicated affairs and unfortunately the death of a loved one can expose the cracks in inter-family relations.

Sign up

Enter your email address for legal updates on Private Client & Family Law.

Please see our privacy policy regarding use of your data.


Top read insights in 2019

Contract Law

Material Breach of Contract

What is a ‘material’ breach of contract by a party to a commercial contract? This is a critical issue regularly considered by the courts. What constitutes a material breach and what are the remedies?

Property Law

Purchasing Land – Option Agreements

A developer and a landowner can enter into an Option Agreement. What are the strategies that can be employed by both landowners and developers to assist in such land deals?

Divorce and Family Law

What are the Tax Implications of a Civil Partnership?

Is there a significant tax saving to be made by a couple who are married or in a civil partnership that cohabitating couples simply don’t qualify for?  

Land & Property Dispute

Restrictive Covenants – The Price of Modification

Having identified that your land is burdened by a restrictive covenant and for the purposes of this article the covenant in question will be that only one residential building can be erected on the land. What do you do next?

Wills, Trusts and Probate

Is my Will applicable to my Spanish property?

You must be careful when relying on an English Will in relation to your Spanish property.

Award winning legal advice

Herrington Carmichael offers legal advice to UK and International businesses as well as individuals and families. Rated as a ‘Leading Firm 2024’ by the legal directory Legal 500 and listed in The Times ‘Best Law Firms 2023 & 2024’. Herrington Carmichael has offices in London, Farnborough, Reading, and Ascot.

London

60 St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4JS 

+44 (0) 203 755 0557

Camberley

Building 2  Watchmoor Park, Riverside Way, Camberley, Surrey. GU15 3YL

+44 (0)1276 686 222

Wokingham

Opening Soon

+44 (0)118 977 4045

info@herrington-carmichael.com

© 2020 Herrington Carmichael LLP. Registered in England and Wales company number OC322293.

Herrington Carmichael LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Privacy   |   Terms and Conditions   |   Cookies   |   Client Feedback