Different people approach estate planning in different ways and with varying priorities in mind. Estate planning attorneys will work with their clients according to these priorities if this is what they would prefer, but many people approach professional planners looking for comprehensive solutions. Most would agree that this holistic approach is best because the overarching goal of estate planning is to take personal responsibility for your end-of-life decisions, not for your own sake, but for the good of the loved ones that you will be leaving behind.

With this in mind people who would like to cover all of their bases would do well to include funeral instructions in their estate plan. There are three basic matters that need to be addressed, and when you make your choices and state your wishes beforehand these matters are not dropped into the laps of your loved ones at the worst possible time.

Cremation or Burial?

This is a question that must be answered, and when you state your wishes in this regard there is no potential for disagreements among your family members. How you feel about this is a personal matter and it is something that each of us should decide for ourselves.

Where & How?

If you were to be cremated, how would you want the remains to be handled? Do you want someone to take ownership of the urn, or would you prefer that the remains be spread in a specific place that holds meaning to you. If you choose burial, do you have a specific plot that you would like to laid to rest in?

Memorial Service

There is usually a memorial service held for people who pass away, and the nature of the service can vary widely depending on your religious or spiritual beliefs or lack thereof. How you would like to be memorialized in this regard is once again a personal decision, and letting your wishes be known is a personal responsibility.

Tags: Advance Planning, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Funeral Planning