Why Is Joe in Charge of Dawn’s Funeral in Emmerdale if They Weren’t Married?

Today’s Emmerdale episode, Thursday 17 September, has raised a big question over Dawn Fletcher’s funeral. Billy is devastated when Joe confirms that neither he nor Dawn’s children are invited, while Ruby later visits Home Farm and unsuccessfully pleads with Joe to reconsider. 

But why is Joe apparently able to make that decision in the first place?

Dawn died shortly after giving birth to their son following the devastating events surrounding their wedding. However, Dawn and Joe never actually completed the marriage, meaning Joe was her unmarried partner when she died.

Does Joe have the legal right to arrange Dawn’s funeral?

In England and Wales, being an unmarried partner does not automatically give someone the same legal position as a husband, wife or civil partner following a death.

If Dawn left a valid will appointing an executor, that could determine who has responsibility. If she died without a will, who is entitled to administer her estate becomes important. Her children would rank ahead of an unmarried partner under intestacy rules, although minors cannot themselves act as administrators.

So Joe would not automatically gain the right to control Dawn’s funeral simply because they were a couple.

Coming up on Friday 18 September, Clemmie finally gets through to Joe and he agrees to allow Billy and the children to attend. 

Emmerdale continues on ITV1, ITVX and YouTube.