Funeral and Burial Planning

• • Why Should I Include Funeral Planning in My Estate Plan?

• • There are several important reasons to include funeral planning in your estate plan. A funeral plan allows you to provide clear instructions on how you want your final arrangements handled, removing the guesswork and reducing the stress on your family during their time of grief. It can also provide the legal mechanisms to ensure that those wishes are honored. In addition, funeral and burial planning can provide funds for your funeral, preventing financial strain on your estate or your loved ones.

• • What Happens If I Fail to Create a Funeral Plan?

• • If you don’t include funeral planning in your estate plan, your family will have to make decisions about your final arrangements without your guidance. This can lead to disagreements, additional stress, and potentially not honoring your wishes. Financially, it could also mean unexpected costs that your family might have to cover.

• • How Do I Start Funeral Planning for My Estate Plan?

• • Begin by considering your preferences for your funeral and final arrangements. Do you prefer burial or cremation? What type of service would you like? Write down your wishes and discuss them with your family. Then, consult with an estate planning attorney to include these instructions in a funeral and burial planning component within your comprehensive estate plan.

• • Should I Prepay for My Funeral?

• • There are several ways to arrange for the payment of your funeral and burial. Entering into a prepaid funeral contract is one of them. While prepaying for your funeral is one way to ensure that your loved ones do not need to worry about coming up with the funds, it may not be the best option. A primary selling point of prepaid funeral plans is the ability to lock in today’s prices; however, numerous things can go wrong between the time you purchase the plan and the time you pass away, such as the funeral home could go out of business, change ownership, or you could move to another state or country.

• • How Can I Make My Wishes Legally Enforceable?

• • Incorporating a funeral planning component into your estate plan is the best way to ensure your wishes regarding your funeral and burial are legally enforceable. You can include your wishes in your Last Will and Testament, but a funeral trust is usually the better choice. An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, for example, allows you to fund your funeral with the proceeds of a life insurance policy and use the terms of the trust to dictate the details of your funeral and burial. You should also discuss your wishes with your Executor so that he/she knows what you want and don’t want.

• • What Details Should I Include in My Funeral Plan?

• • Your funeral plan should include your preferences for burial or cremation, the type of service you desire, any specific readings or music, your choice of officiant, and any other personal touches you want. Include information about organ donation, memorial donations, and any prepayments made for your funeral.

• • Where Should I Keep Details about My Funeral and Burial Wishes?

• • Even if you use a trust, mentioning your funeral instructions in your Last Will and Testament is wise. Also provide your Executor, Trustee, and close family members with copies of your trust agreement or other funeral related documents and make sure your estate planning attorney has original copies.

• • Can I Change My Funeral Plans in the Future?

• • Yes, you can update your funeral plans as your preferences change. You should review and revise your estate plan, including your funeral plan, regularly as well as when life events call for an immediate update. Inform your Executor, Trustee, and family members about any changes to ensure they follow your most recent wishes.

• • Should I Include My Family in My Funeral Plan?

• • Ultimately, it is your decision whether to include your family when creating your funeral plan; however, if you do decide to include them, approach the topic with sensitivity and explain the importance of planning ahead. Share your preferences and the steps you’ve taken to include funeral planning in your estate plan. Encourage open communication to ensure everyone understands your wishes and feels comfortable discussing them.

• • Can I appoint someone to oversee my funeral arrangements?

• • Yes, you can appoint a trusted individual as your funeral agent or Executor to oversee your funeral arrangements. This person will be responsible for ensuring that your wishes are carried out according to your estate plan. It’s essential to choose someone you trust implicitly and to communicate your wishes with them clearly to avoid any misunderstandings. You can also count on a Trustee appointed to administer a funeral trust to carry out your wishes.

If you have additional questions about the problem with DIY estate planning, contact the experienced Los Angeles estate planning attorneys at Schomer Estate & Wealth Advisors by calling (310) 337-7696 to schedule your appointment today.