Brother's Body exhumed with no notification from his widow

[stefani02]

My brother died about a year and half ago. My family has been on the outs with his wife, who he had been estranged from for 4 years. We found out today when my parents went to the cemetary to see him that his wife exhumed his body and cremated him. My sister paid for the whole funeral, plot, casket, everything that needed to be paid to bury him. Is there any legal action we can take against her? We have a plot that can never be used again. Why would someone grant her permission to exhume his body without contacting his family, parents, sisters???? I just need some help!!!!

 

[irish223]

If your brother was never legally separated from his wife, then I believe she would be the legal next-of-kin. That generally gives her the right to make such decisions.

You may be able to sue her in small claims court, but I don't know on what grounds you would sue.