What is a parent’s responsibility for a deceased adult child?

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What is a parent’s responsibility for a deceased adult child?

I am divorced and have been for 14 years .I have no relationship with either my ex or daughters. Every aspect of their lives have been kept from me. My second oldest daughter is now 26 and is heavy into drugs. She was just in the hospital and stayed for approximately 3 days in intensive care from an overdose that I wasn’t told about until she was out of the hospital. The very next day she was out begging for drugs again. Rehab doesn’t work. In the event that she is killed in the process of obtaining drugs or dies of an overdose, am I going to be required to pay for her burial? If not, is the state going to take care of her? Who is required to claim the body?

Asked on September 20, 2012 under Family Law, Alabama

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Since your daughter that has drug issues is an adult living on her own, if she dies you have no legal duty under the laws of all states in this country to pay for her burial. If no one takes care of her after she passes the county where she passes most likely will via cremation.

No one is required to claim the body of your adult child when she passes.


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