Next of Kin Relationships

May 16, 2022
Sometimes non-traditional relationships require extra steps in regards to planning a service at a funeral home in Nichols Hills. Read on for more information.
funeral home in Nichols Hills, OK

It can still be challenging for those with non-traditional next of kin relationships when it comes to planning a funeral at a funeral home in Nichols Hills, OK, even though our laws and perceptions of what it means to be a family are becoming more inclusive. 


The most common non-traditional relationships are same-sex couples, Common Law marriages, and separated but still married couples. There are three criteria that have to be met in order to couples to be considered legally married under general Common Law. If you are married under Common Law, it’s important to know that it might be tricky for a funeral home or service to validate a Common Law Marriage after one of the people passes away. Unless a Declaration of Informal Marriage has been filed by a county clerk, many funeral homes will ask a different next of kin person to sign the necessary funeral documents as there are penalties involved in allowing a non-documented marriage to serve as legal standing to be a next of kin. To avoid any concerns or issues after a death, Common Law couples should file with the county clerk before a death. 


Thanks to modern legislation, legally married same-sex couples have the exact same rights and next-of-kin spouse status as heterosexual couples. However, the this is only the case if the couple is legally married at the time of death. Without proof of a legal marriage, the funeral home or service will have to look to a different member of the family to take on final disposition responsibilities and decisions. 


Marriage is a complicated relationship, and oftentimes married couples are separated but not legally divorced. In this scenario, the spouse would be still be responsible for making all necessary funeral arrangements and paying for them. Unless there is a clear legal proof of divorce, the marriage is still valid, and the spouse is the next of kin. This is more common than you might think and is a confusing situation that causes a lot of delays in making funeral home or cremation plans. 


Be sure to look into the specificities of your state law or reach out to a lawyer for the most up-to-date information and guidance. This way you will be as prepared as possible. These days, most states have a process in place for getting around difficulties with next of kin relationships. Depending on the state, there is usually a form that people can fill out, sign and file to give a specific person the responsibility of all death-related decisions. This form allows you to choose who you want to make your funeral arrangements and is valid at the vast majority of licensed funeral homes and cremation providers. 


Do you have more questions about Nichols Hills, OK funeral homes? We are here to help! You can stop by and visit us or give us a call to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning


cremation services Nichols Hills, OK
March 24, 2025
Engage in meaningful conversations about cremation services Nichols Hills, OK, ensuring your wishes are respected and understood by your loved ones. Learn more.
funeral homes Nichols Hills, OK
March 17, 2025
Explore preplanning benefits at funeral homes Nichols Hills, OK. Ensure your wishes are respected and alleviate stress for loved ones. Call us to learn more.
cremation services The Village, OK
March 10, 2025
Discover thoughtful ways to support someone grieving. Learn from Corbett Funeral & Cremation. Compassionate cremation services in The Village, OK. Call us now!
funeral homes The Village, OK
March 3, 2025
Discover how to clearly communicate your final wishes with funeral homes in The Village, OK, ensuring your legacy is honored and easing your family's burden.
cremation services Oklahoma City, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation February 24, 2025
Discover personalized cremation services Oklahoma City, OK that honor and celebrate loved ones' lives with empathy and professionalism. Call us to learn more.
funeral homes Oklahoma City, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation February 17, 2025
Discover how funeral homes in Oklahoma City, OK, like Corbett Funeral & Cremation, support families with compassionate, expert services tailored to your needs.
cremation services Nichols Hills, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation February 10, 2025
Discover compassionate and personalized cremation services in Nichols Hills, OK. Honor your loved one's life with uniquely tailored memorials.
funeral homes Nichols Hills, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation February 3, 2025
Alleviate stress with thoughtful planning at trusted funeral homes Nichols Hills, OK, ensuring dignified and personalized services. Call us today to learn more.
cremation services The Village, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation January 27, 2025
Plan your personalized legacy with cremation services The Village, OK. Ensure your life and values are honored with Corbett Funeral & Cremation. Learn more.
funeral homes The Village, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation January 20, 2025
Explore how funeral homes The Village, OK guide families through cremation choices with expertise and compassion, honoring loved ones in meaningful ways.
More Posts
Share by: