Is next of kin liable for funeral expenses if deceased has no estate?

In general, next of kin are not legally obligated to pay for funeral expenses if the deceased has no estate. However, some funeral homes may require a relative to take responsibility for payments upfront. If there are no assets, the funeral home might seek payment from the next of kin, but they cannot force them to pay if they cannot afford it. It’s advisable for families to discuss financial responsibilities and options with the funeral service provider.