Make a
Resolution to Complete Estate and Funeral Planning
While your friends resolve to make this year the year they
finally lose weight, get fit and kick those unhealthy habits, why
not do yourself and your loved ones a favor and complete your
estate and funeral planning? It's certainly easier than dropping
those last 10 pounds, and making your wishes known now will give
you and your family peace of mind.
A nation faces the inevitable
Estate and funeral planning used to be dreaded tasks many of us
knew we needed to do but never quite got around to. The Sept. 11
tragedy has jolted our collective procrastination. Lawyers around
the country are reporting a rise in will requests and their
clients' urgency to complete them. They're noticing younger clients
from all walks of life. The New York Times, The
Washington Post, USA Today and other publications
have reported the trend.
Why plan ahead?
Estate planning can:
- save your family financial and emotional strain.
- designate a personal guardian for minor children.
- provide for children with special needs.
- reserve funds for college.
- preserve a family business.
- ensure that money, valuables and family heirlooms go to the
people you want to have them.
- and much more, depending on the plan you choose.
Funeral planning can:
- ensure your wishes for your funeral or memorial service, burial
and other details are carried out.
- save your family from having to make difficult decisions in
their time of grief.
- prevent family squabbles and speculation about your
wishes.
- pay for funeral services in advance.
Planning your estate
Making your wishes known doesn't necessarily have to be
complicated or expensive. Most people are familiar with wills. You
can type one up yourself or buy a kit, but if you have children or
a lot of assets, financial planners usually recommend consulting an
attorney. If your estate is simple and you decide to do it
yourself, know that most states require that wills be typewritten,
name an executor and be signed by two witnesses who are not
beneficiaries.
Keep in mind that wills, even those prepared by attorneys, go
through court (probate). Probate can be time consuming, stressful
for your family and costly to your estate. Consider consulting an
estate planner about alternatives to wills. Some options avoid
probate and certain taxes.
Wills only go into effect upon your death, so they're no help if
you become incapacitated. If that happens, your case will go
through living probate and the court will appoint someone to handle
your affairs. If you die without a will (intestate), the state will
decide who gets your money, your valuables, even your children.
Planning your own funeral
Funeral or memorial service? Burial or cremation? Not sure what
you want? Then imagine how your family will feel when they're
forced to make those decisions when you die. Save them the added
turmoil, potential disagreements and second-guessing. Make those
decisions now and let them know what you want. It can be as easy as
typing up your wishes and giving it to a trusted family member,
friend or attorney, though we invite you to contact our funeral
home to understand all of the options available to you and your
family.
Are preneed plans safe?
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has issued
consumer protection guidelines for preneed contracts, consumer tips
on prepaying your funeral and a consumer bill of rights. You may
want to review them at www.nfda.org before you sign on the dotted
line. Our funeral home abides by the guidelines set forth by the
NFDA.
You might also consider involving your family or loved ones in
the preparation of your funeral arrangements. After all, the
funeral service is really for the living. Consult with family about
what type of arrangements they would like to remember you. For
example, you may desire a direct cremation, but your spouse may
prefer going through a more traditional funeral program. There are
many choices to accommodate both desires. Contact us to help you
with these choices when pre-planning.
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