County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs New Consumer Laws 2008

DEAD PEOPLE: DON'T HAVE TO CANCEL SERVICES
in person

Probate Code Section 217

Current law does not provide a standard way for businesses to cancel services, such as gas, electricity, water, and telephone when a person dies. As a result, some businesses require in-person cancellations, while others accept cancellations by telephone, fax or mail.

A requirement that the cancellation be done in-person may be stressful or inconvenient for the person handling the affairs of the deceased person.

This new law prohibits businesses from requiring in-person cancellations. This law provides that an oral or written request from a family member, attorney, or personal representative of a deceased person is sufficient to cancel services. This law defines "services" to include gas, electrical, water, sewage, cable, satellite, telephone, or cellular telephone service.

For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street * Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within the County) * (213) 974-1452
web site: dca.lacounty.gov