My sister passed away yesterday and I wondered who has the legal right to her ashes. She has a husband, but was very troubled and we feel he contributed to her overdose suicide death. Is there any time when the mother is given the ashes instead?
Thank you

I'd talk to a lawyer. It's probably your best bet, it really depends on who wants them, if he doesn't your mother could have them.

Your sister died yesterday and thhough I'm only thing you want to ask is about ashes? I'm sure he's entitled to them although I'm no lawyer.

I also think you're hurt and these accusations against him are going to have to be proven. As I said.. I'm no lawyer.

Ahh, Kit, but you COULD be a lawyer. The husband "owns" the ashes. He could pay for cremation and then give them to anyone he chooses - but they do belong to him whether he caused her death or not.

If he refuses to pay and the mother agrees to pay for the cremation then the funeral director will "probably" be willing to work with her.

I'd talk to a lawyer. It's probably your best bet, it really depends on who wants them, if he doesn't your mother could have them.


Sorry, Emily, but this is not correct - they belong to the husband. There is no need to involve an Attorney. When you say, "Could have them," who are you suggesting will give them to the mother? The funeral director?