Assume funeral costs
In Germany, burial is compulsory. In the event of a death, the relatives of the deceased (in the order stipulated by law) are obliged to arrange the funeral. They also have to bear the costs incurred, which they can claim from the heirs of the estate - if they are not heirs themselves.
If the relatives are not in a position to bear the funeral costs and the estate of the deceased is also insufficient, the relatives can apply for the funeral costs to be covered.
The necessary costs of a funeral are covered upon application in accordance with Section 74 of Book XII of the Social Code (SGB XII) if the person responsible for these costs cannot reasonably be expected to bear them.
The following parties are liable for the funeral costs in the following order:
- those contractually obligated
- the heirs (without an exemption, using the full estate)
- those obligated to provide support
- Persons obligated under Section 13 of the Cemetery and Burial Act
- the director of a facility, if the deceased passed away at that facility.
In principle, those equally liable are responsible for their per capita share. Coverage of the costs depends on the estate and on the income and assets of the liable parties. If funeral costs are to be covered under Section 74 of SGB XII, we recommend informing the funeral home of this when placing the order.
Links and downloads
Organizational units
Assume funeral costs
Address
65189 Wiesbaden
Postal address
65029 Wiesbaden
Arrival
Notes on public transport
Bus stop Weidenbornstraße, bus lines 3, 6 and 33.
Telephone
- +49 611 313826
- +49 611 315964
Information on accessibility
- Barrier-free access is available