Anyone aged 18 or above may determine in writing who is to carry out their funeral arrangements. Otherwise, the deceased’s next-of-kin are responsible for this. In the event of any dispute about responsibility, the municipality will make a decision. If nobody has responsibility for the funeral arrangements, this will be arranged by the municipality where the deceased was a resident.
Cremation may take place where it is not known that this conflicts with the religious beliefs of the deceased, or where a written declaration exists. Cremation or burial shall take place no later than eight days after death.
Funeral agents shall, by their own initiative, provide information concerning fees and charges to persons approaching them with a view to using their services. If the service is ordered, the client shall be presented with a written offer of fees and have such time as is reasonable to study these prior to entering into any contract.
The social security services may provide financial assistance subject to a means test based on the last available tax returns. In most cases, such support is reduced according to the sum of the deceased’s financial assets and the insurance sum paid out as a result of death.