What to do if there is disagreement about the organization of the funeral?

The funeral must correspond to the last wishes of the deceased.

If no will specifies them, it is up to the relatives to make the necessary choices for the organization of the funeral (cremation/burial, location, religious/secular ritual, etc.),

If they disagree, only the judge can decide.

It designates the person best able to decide (we speak of the person authorized to provide for the funeral).

This is a person who has had a stable and permanent relationship with the deceased (e.g. surviving spouse, past partner, parent, child).

You must bring the matter before the court of law of the place of death by subpoena or by request spouse at the registry.

The use of a lawyer is not mandatory.

The court decides within 24 hours.

You can appeal the court's decision within 24 hours, to the first president of the court of appeal. He decides immediately. The use of a lawyer is optional.

Failing to respect the deceased's last wishes may be punished by up to 6 months imprisonment and €7,500 of fine.