Can a funeral home put a lien on property?

Asked by: Enoch Maggio  |  Last update: February 18, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (47 votes)

The funeral home is charged when a sheriff delivers a letter to the family with a court date. The judge often rules in favor of the funeral home and puts a lien on the person's property or assets. The funeral director, however, does not get any money until the property is sold.

What happens if you don't pay a funeral home?

If the funeral home already has custody of the body and the family refuses to pay, the funeral home will pause all funeral services and planning, store the body in the cooler, and charge the family a storage fee for every day the body is there.

Can an executor put a lien on property?

In the USA, yes, it happens all the time. Jurisdictions in the USA may differ on how to attach a lien, but typically, you would file a claim against the estate in probate court of the deceased's residence at time of death.

Can a family member put a lien on your property?

This all depends on whether there was a contract for care entered into by the parties. If there was, then it would be enforceable by the family member who provided care although they would have to file suit to get a judgment and enforce any lien.

Who can put a lien on your house in Illinois?

A creditor may put a lien on your home to ensure you pay back your debt, and if you do not, the creditor could take your home as payment. If you have a lien on your home, you cannot sell it without paying off the debt tied to the lien.

How to File a Property Lien

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Can someone put a lien on your property without you knowing?

Undiscovered liens can result in high fines and even foreclosure on the home you worked so hard to obtain. Creditors should make all possible attempts to notify property owners of liens placed on their property but some liens can still go unnoticed so homeowners must take steps to protect themselves.

How long can a lien stay on a house in Illinois?

A judgment is a lien on real estate for 7 years from the time it is entered or revived. 735 Ill. Comp. Stat.

Can a lien be placed on inherited property?

Unlike other types of debt, liens on real estate do not disappear if the property owner passes away. This means that if you inherited a home with a lien on it, it is your responsibility. Before moving forward, you should first determine if the lien on the home is valid. It may not be if the debt has been paid off.

How much does it cost to put a lien on property?

Given that filing a lien can take a lawyer a number of hours, from researching the case to sending the notice of intent to lien and filing the lien itself, you could be looking at a total cost ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for one lien.

What is the most common type of lien on property?

Bank Liens

Previous mortgages are the most common kind of bank lien and receive high priority. If your prospective property has been sold before, the old mortgage should show as paid on the title records.

Does a lien go away when someone dies?

The lien and the right to collect the money becomes the property of the decedent's estate. All parties can sign and file a Release of Lien in the county deed records.

Can a property with a lien be sold?

There are two types of liens: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary liens are ones that you knowingly agreed to, such as a mortgage, while involuntary liens are placed on your property by creditors or courts. A mortgage lien would not prevent you from selling, but involuntary liens on a property can cause issues.

How to enforce a lien?

Since a lien enforcement is a lawsuit, it follows that it proceeds just like a lawsuit does. The foreclosure suit must be drafted (with all necessary parties listed as defendants), filed in court, and served on all parties.

Does the next of kin have to pay for a funeral?

If your loved one has no assets or property, the next of kin will typically cover funeral costs. The next of kin will also handle arrangements.

What funeral directors don't want you to know?

10 Things the Funeral Home Won't Tell You
  • Pre-plan, but don't pre-pay. ...
  • You can rent a cremation urn or casket for the memorial service. ...
  • You can purchase cremation urns or caskets online at much cheaper prices. ...
  • Funeral homes usually keep the low-cost caskets and urns in the back.

How long can a funeral home hold a body without embalming?

If you don't want to embalm at all, most mortuaries offer short-term refrigeration, which can allow you to delay the funeral for up to two weeks.

How long can a lien be on your property?

The mortgage lien will stay on your property until you pay off your loan or sell the property and use the proceeds to satisfy the remaining balance of the loan.

Can someone put a lien on my house without a contract?

Subcontractors may not have a contract with you, but they can place liens on your property. You might pay the contractor in full but if he fails to pay the subcontractors, they would have the right to file a lien.

What creates a lien on a property?

Property liens can be granted for repossessing property such as a car, boat, or even a house if the owner has defaulted on mortgage payments. Typically, property liens are the final step a creditor will take to collect an unpaid debt.

Can creditors go after your inheritance?

California law does allow creditors to pursue a decedent's potentially inheritable assets. In the event an estate does not possess or contain adequate assets to fulfill a valid creditor claim, creditors can look to assets in which heirs might possess interest, if: The assets are joint accounts.

How do you stop foreclosure on inherited property?

Stopping foreclosure on inherited property involves several options, including communication with the lender, seeking legal advice, considering options like loan modification, short sale, or even filing for bankruptcy are all options and steps to stop foreclosure.

Can an administrator of an estate take everything?

While administrators have authority over an estate's assets, they can't simply take everything.

Can you lose your house from a lien?

Liens are legal claims against property by creditors that allow them to collect what they're owed. Liens can be general or specific, and voluntary or involuntary. If a homeowner doesn't settle an obligation, then the lienholder may legally seize and dispose of the property.

Can you sell a house with a lien on it in Illinois?

Selling a house is a complex and time-consuming process. However, it becomes even more complicated if there's a lien on the property. In Illinois, you can still sell a house with a lien on it, but there are important factors to consider before moving forward.

What are the lien laws in Illinois?

In Illinois, a mechanics lien must be filed within 4 months after completion of work to be effective against subsequent property owners. If the lien is filed after 4 months but before 2 years after completion of work, it will still be effective against the original owner.