childs rights

[billsc]

Arizona - Is a child liable for a parents cremation? My natural father left our family when I was three years old and I have had no relationship with him in the last 25 years. I have known for the last several years he has been living off of state disability and in and out of hospitals with liver problems. He has recently died and my sister received a call from a mortuary regarding a cremation fee of over 1000$, which is a lot of money for the two of us. They mentioned they would send the bill to a collection agency if we did not pay. Thanks for any help.

 

[Grandma B]

Did your sister happen to take part in making arrangements for the cremation or sign any authorizations?

 

[billsc]

I will have to check on any forms signed at the hospital. Personally I have not signed anything. My sister, like her father, have had drug/alcohol problems for several years and have burned many bridges.I found out she had given the mortuary my phone number. I am afraid that the cremation is just the first straw. My concern is that his debt over the last 25 years may be transferred to myself upon his death. Do creditors, such as the mortuary or hospital, have a right to go after the man's children to pay off the debt, especially given his abondonment of his family so many years ago. Thanks again