When a loved one passes away, and funeral costs begin to mount, it can be stressful – and, sadly, a strain on family relations – to determine who bears responsibility for covering those costs.
Find Funeral Services Across Australia
- Funeral Directors NSW
- Funeral Directors Victoria
- Funeral Directors Queensland
- Funeral Directors Western Australia
- Funeral Directors South Australia
Questions that typically arise at this time are:
- Who arranges a funeral?
- Who pays for a funeral?
- Can I recover funeral expenses from the deceased’s estate?
- What if the deceased has no estate?
- Can I avoid being out of pocket when paying for a funeral?
This article aims to provide clarity around these frequently asked questions.
1. Who arranges a funeral?
Where the deceased had a will, the executor – that is, the person appointed to administer the deceased’s estate – is responsible for arranging the funeral. Where the deceased did not have a will, the administrator of the deceased’s estate may organise the funeral.
That being said, it is common for family members or close friends of the deceased to organise the funeral.
2. Who pays for a funeral?
Before arranging a funeral, it’s important to check whether the deceased made arrangements to assist with covering the costs of their funeral – for example, by purchasing funeral insurance, a pre-paid funeral or a funeral bond. If this is the case, all or a significant portion of the deceased’s funeral expenses may already be accounted for.
In the event that the deceased did not take care of their future funeral costs, the funeral will need to be paid for. Generally, the person who organises the funeral – and who has signed a contract with the relevant funeral director – is legally responsible for paying for it. This may be the executor, but is often a family member or close friend of the deceased.
3. Can I recover funeral expenses from the deceased’s estate?
Where the deceased left behind money and/or assets, this is called the deceased’s estate. It may be possible for the person who paid for the deceased’s funeral to recover the costs from the deceased’s estate.
Sufficient funds
The most important factor in determining if funeral costs can be recovered is whether there are sufficient funds in the deceased’s estate.
Generally, the executor of the deceased’s estate will take stock of the deceased’s assets and liabilities, and – provided sufficient funds are available – will use the proceeds of the estate to pay the deceased’s funeral and testamentary expenses, and any other debts and taxes of the deceased (after which any remaining property of the estate will be distributed to its beneficiaries). Funeral costs are paid in priority to other claims and it is common for the deceased to specify in their will how the funeral costs are to be paid.
Timing
Administering an estate can be complex and time-consuming, with the result that even where a deceased’s estate has ample funds, such funds are often not accessible at the time of organising a funeral. It is therefore not unusual for the executor – or a family member – to pay for a funeral out of their own pocket, and to then seek reimbursement when the funds become available.
Given these complications, it may sometimes be possible at the time of holding the funeral to approach the bank where the deceased held an account to seek payment of funeral expenses from the deceased’s funds. It will be necessary to present relevant documentation to the bank (for example, death certificate, funeral account).
Reasonable costs
One thing to remember is that a claim to be reimbursed for funeral costs extends only to expenses that are reasonable. The question as to what is reasonable may be affected by the deceased’s wishes, his/her culture/religion, and the size of the estate.
4. What if the deceased has no estate?
Where a family member or other individual takes responsibility for organising a funeral, it is important that they do not pay for a funeral they cannot afford on the assumption that they will recover the money from the estate. The costs of a funeral cannot be recovered if there are inadequate funds in the estate, or if the deceased has no estate at all.
Where the deceased has no estate, and the responsible individual will struggle to personally cover the funeral costs, it is a good idea to look at ways of minimising funeral expenses, including cheaper funeral options. Financial assistance may also be available to help cover the costs of the funeral.
5. Can I avoid being out of pocket when paying for a funeral?
Using your own money to pay for a loved one’s funeral can be challenging. You’re not only required to stump up a significant sum of money at the time of the funeral, but – because administering an estate can be a lengthy process – you may remain out of pocket for quite some time.
So, is there a way to avoid being out of pocket while waiting for the deceased’s estate to be administered?
Explore More Funeral Planning Guides
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.