What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? The state where the woman died is Rhode Island. She was on permanent disability and recieved goverment assistance. She recently died and is survived by two estranged sons age 24 and 21. The chilkdren live in Texas and are the sole heirs. She also has a living mother and sister who live in Rhode Island. The question is who has to handle all of these arrangements, funeral service (if any), plans for burial...etc. She has no will. She has no money or assets to speak of, and she probably has some debt. The children are recent college graduates without jobs and have no monaey of their own. What are we legally supposed to in this matter? As their father I am trying to help them negotiate this very trying and emotional situation. I don't even know where to begin. I don't even know where the body is. Any advice please.