You might look to see if an estate was probated on your mother's behalf. You might talk with a probate attorney.

You can try. The funeral home will likely side with whoever is the funeral home’s client..........................................

Perhaps you should have hired an attorney?.........................................................................

You might probate your father’s estate seeking intestate division of assets. If there is a will, it will show up if it is to the wife’s advantage. ...

Sing the frozen song and let it go.................................................................................................

You can make a claim against the estate. The check cannot be cashed unless there is an estate account upon which to draw the check. You might talk...

Go to the US consulate in India and ask them about it........................................................

You likely need to be appointed by a court to be the admin or executor of the parent’s estate. See a probate attorney.

The insurance company likely wants you to represent the decedent's estate as executor or administrator. You should see a probate attorney.

You need to talk to an attorney about this. Options may include withholding distribution to the sister until she returns the remains to you....