Bellaire crematorium embroiled in family dispute over ashes

A mother-in-law is suing her daughter-in-law and a Bellaire crematorium over the final arrangements of her deceased son.   

Berta Acosta filed a lawsuit on Friday, June 15 in the Harris County District Court against Jamie Duran and Distinctive Cremation and Funeral Services, in Bellaire, citing intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The suit alleges Duran is trying to exclude Acosta, her mother-in-law, from being involved in her deceased son's final arrangements, which will take place at Distinctive Cremation in Bellaire. Duran also tried to keep Acosta away from her 31-year-old son during the final weeks of his illness, according to the brief.  

Acosta is seeking injunctive relief to attend the cremation and receive some of her son's ashes, damages and court costs. She is being represented in the case by Houston attorney R.A. BeMent.

Harris County District Court Case No. 2012-34972.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Harris County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.