Final Arrangements: Your Questions Answered

Navigating through the many considerations of your final arrangements can provide immense peace of mind to you and your loved ones. At Goldberg & Goldberg, we understand the need for clarity during such times, which is why we offer this FAQ to guide you through the process.

Why Is It Important To Provide Written Instructions for My Final Arrangements?

By documenting your preferences for end-of-life ceremonies and the handling of your remains, you can alleviate the burden on your family during a challenging period. These discussions are particularly crucial if your health is declining, ensuring that your wishes are known and can be adhered to. Additionally, by planning ahead, you can potentially save your family from financial stress by comparing costs of various services and securing fair pricing.

Is My Will the Best Place To Outline My Final Arrangements?

While a will is an essential document for outlining the distribution of your assets and guardianship of minors, it is not the ideal place for your burial and ceremony preferences. This is mainly because a will may not be read until well after your passing, when immediate decisions concerning your remains and ceremonies are necessary. It is more effective to use a health care directive or another formal document to communicate your final wishes. Only in New Jersey and New Mexico is it a legal requirement to designate a person to oversee your final arrangements within your will.

Where Should I Store My Final Arrangements?

There are several ways to clearly communicate your preferences, such as writing a detailed letter to your executor and loved ones or creating a legally recognized document. It’s critical to inform your family of the location of these instructions so they can be accessed when needed. Review and update your arrangements periodically to ensure they still represent your current wishes.

What Happens if I Haven’t Left Written Instructions?

Without written directives, state law will dictate who has the authority to make decisions about your remains. Typically, this responsibility will fall to your spouse, adult children, parents, next of kin, or a court-appointed public administrator. Disagreements can be prevented by planning and documenting your wishes. A health care power of attorney also allows you to assign someone to make these decisions, but it’s wise to have written instructions to guide them.

What Details Should Be Covered in a Final Arrangements Document?

Your document should reflect your individual preferences and may include choices around burial or cremation, embalming, ceremonies, transportation of remains, and desired epitaphs or markers, among others. It is a reflection of your personal beliefs, customs, or whims.

What Services Can Be Expected From a Mortuary?

Funeral homes provide comprehensive services, from transferring to storing your remains, making funeral arrangements, conducting ceremonies, preparing the body for final disposition, and managing transport to the cemetery or crematorium. Prices for these services can vary significantly, making it crucial to explore options.

Where Can I Seek Help for Economical Mortuary Services and Burial Options?

Joining a funeral or memorial society can help you find local services that charge reasonable rates and align with your expectations. For a small lifetime membership fee, these societies assist with planning for desired goods and services at a locked-in cost and often monitor to ensure you only pay for selected services.

Alternatively, conduct your own search to find a funeral home that suits your preferences and budget. Creating a personal fund is often a better financial choice rather than paying for plans in advance.

For more personalized guidance in planning your final arrangements or any additional legal counsel, feel free to contact Goldberg & Goldberg at (301) 654-5757. We offer a Free Consultation to help you ensure your last wishes are honored with the respect and attention they deserve.