Ask a lawyer on the topic of Social law

funeral costs

December 15, 2011 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. Dr. Danjel-Philippe Newerla

My mother has passed away and now the social welfare office is supposed to cover the burial costs. My mother was receiving Hartz 4 benefits, as am I, and I am also severely disabled. The social welfare office is now requesting a list of the number and addresses of my children and my father (her ex-husband, divorced 45 years ago) in hopes that one of them can bear the costs. Is this legal?

Dr. Dr. Danjel-Philippe Newerla

Dear inquirer,

Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to answer as follows:

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere condolences for this incident.

The obligation to bear the funeral costs is determined by state funeral regulations.

There is a certain hierarchy in place.

Initially, the spouse must bear the costs (if applicable).

If the spouse is not present or unable to do so, the children would be responsible.

If the children are also unable, the grandchildren of the deceased would be responsible.

Unfortunately, as part of your duty to cooperate, you must provide the relevant information as far as you are aware of it.

For example, if you do not know the individual addresses, logically you cannot provide them.

I hope I have provided you with some initial legal guidance and wish you every success and all the best!

I would like to point out the following:

The legal advice I have given is based solely on the information you have provided. My response is only a preliminary legal assessment of the situation and cannot replace a full evaluation. Adding or omitting relevant information can lead to a completely different legal assessment.

I hope my explanations have been helpful. You are welcome to contact me through the follow-up option.

Wishing you a pleasant Thursday afternoon!

Kind regards from the North Sea coast,

Dipl.-Jur. Danjel-Philippe Newerla, Attorney