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Original poster

Cannot buy a funeral plan on behalf of someone else even if you are responsible for the funeral unless you have power of attorney actually activated

33 replies

ScottishScouser · 08/07/2024 09:27

Just phoned co-op funeral care to buy a funeral plan for my mum. She's not in best of health and I am going to be responsible for her funeral - and I know she hasn't got anything in place as everything is being left to me (only child) and she said I can pay for it out of that. she won't talk about her funeral as she doesn't care as its my problem.

So as there is only me, I thought about buying a direct cremation plan from the co-op. I'm not interested in a service or anything like that.

Except you can't unless a power of attorney has actually been activated. I have LPA's in place but she's not so far gone I have them activated.

I just phoned them and they would need to arrange it with my mother - but I can't go to her and tell her I'm planning her funeral!

There is nothing they can do apparently - so I guess I'll just have to lie, say its for me and do it all on line.

OP posts:
Roryhon · 08/07/2024 09:38

Just put the money aside? Then use it when the time comes.

BabySnarkDoDoo · 08/07/2024 09:38

I think speak to your Mum more generally about how probate often takes months to come through. Ask if it's possible for her to leave some money in a joint account you have instant access to to cover expenses (household bills etc).

My uncle was similar, didn't leave a will or have anything in place for his funeral even though he knew he was terminally ill. My mum ended up paying for a basic funeral service after he passed in October. The probate has only just come through in the last week or so.

Mrsjayy · 08/07/2024 09:37

Don't lie if your mum hasn't got the money and you feel you have to pay open up an account specially and save how much the plan costs.

lostoldname · 08/07/2024 09:36

What do you mean by activated? If the power of attorney is signed can’t you take that to the co-op.

Original poster
ScottishScouser · 08/07/2024 09:34

FuzzyStripes · 08/07/2024 09:33

I agree that it’s down to someone to make their own decision, unless legally determined to be incapable of doing so.

She has - her decision is to leave it to me to sort.

OP posts:
FuzzyStripes · 08/07/2024 09:33

I agree that it’s down to someone to make their own decision, unless legally determined to be incapable of doing so.

Tagyoureit · 08/07/2024 09:32

No you can't say it's for you.

If this is money thing then just open an account and set money aside for it in there and use it when needed.

However, my dad paid for his and my mum's whilst mum was in hospital, no way would she have signed any paperwork, dad did it all but maybe it's different when you're married.

Willmafrockfit · 08/07/2024 09:31

can you not convince her to set one up?