What action can a funeral director take if a family fails to pay for services rendered?

The correct action a funeral director can take when a family fails to pay for services rendered is to file a lien on the deceased's estate. This is because, under Tennessee law, funeral expenses are considered a priority claim against the deceased’s estate. By filing a lien, the funeral director can ensure that they have a legal claim to be compensated from the assets of the estate when it is settled. This option allows the funeral director to recover payment while complying with legal processes related to estate management. It reflects the importance of addressing non-payment issues within the framework of state laws regarding estate claims, rather than resorting to more adversarial or punitive measures like suing directly or involving authorities, which might complicate or escalate the situation unnecessarily.