I’m not sure what you’re asking, but the legally married spouse was the one who should have had the legal right to make arrangements. Your story is a little confusing – are you saying that your mother’s husband’s brother had the body transferred? Of course, you have no responsibility to pay for a funeral bill which you did not incur. I advise you to file a complaint with the state board that regulates funeral homes in New York. They can be found at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/professionals/patients/patient_rights/funeral.htm Josh Slocum FCA