subject: Your Remains And The Law:legal Advice [print this page] Your remains and the law Your remains and the law
Very often a will contains a statement of what the testator would like to happen to his mortal remains. Some people wish to be buried, cremated, or even to have their ashes scattered at a favourite place or to be buried at sea. They often think that such a wish is going to be binding on those dealing with their funeral and administering their affairs but this is not the case. The law as it stands does not make what is in effect only a statement of wishes legally binding.
Legally it is for your executor to decide on the arrangements for dealing with your remains. It is the executor you appointed in your will who will decide your final resting place and not family and friends and not even you with the wishes expressed in your will. The executor has the right to override all other wishes.
It is therefore most important that you appoint an executor who you trust to carry out your final wish-especially if it is strongly held. Equally important is making sure that everybody is aware of and agrees with your wishes. It can be very upsetting for all if there are disputes and bad feelings over your final resting place.
Sometimes people will not make a will and there will therefore not be executors with the responsibility to decide what is to happen to your remains. The person on whose property you die is legally responsible and can make the decision for disposal of your remains. Very often this will be a hospital of care home. The relevant authority will almost certainly allow your family to make all the arrangements for your funeral and problems will only arise if there is a dispute.
There is only likely to be a dispute within the family if there is a question on whether your will is valid and whether you have a properly appointed executor. In such a case matters could be referred to the court for a judge to decide and in a recent case the court ruled that the local health authority had the right to make decisions on the disposal of the body.
This situation however can be easily avoided by making a valid will in which you appoint executors who you trust to carry out your wishes. You should also discuss these wishes with your family and make sure that they are happy and agree with what you want to happen to you.
