What is the best way to pay things like funeral costs that require payment before estate is settled?

Thank you

The funeral home would issue a bill, itemized as you or the personal rep (f/k/a executor or executrix) that would be proof for the individual. A copy can be made for documentation purposes so the individual and estate both have copies.

If there's no estate checking account set up yet, the temporary donor could pay by charge or check; the funeral home documentation, with acknowledgment of payment, should be adequate to be reimbursed from the estate.

You will need to check that this is true in your jurisdiction, but as I understand it funeral expenses can be paid from an estate's funds prior to probate or settlement. Who is the estate's executor?