Estate planning can include preparations for every aspect of your twilight years and beyond. This can extend to matters of elder law such as retirement planning, the creation of living trusts, Medicaid assistance and incapacity planning in the form of durable powers of attorney and advance health care directives. Then of course there are after-death financial matters, with the goals being to protect your assets and do everything possible to facilitate a smooth and timely distribution to your heirs.

Another detail that should be a part of your estate plan involves funeral arrangements. It may not seem like a priority to a lot of people, but there are definitely very good reasons why you should make your wishes known. One of them lies at the root of one of the core purposes of estate planning.

Experiencing the passing of a loved one is a very difficult time for those left behind, and this recognition is a part of estate planning. It is important to try to minimize the stress placed upon your family and friends during this emotional time, and when you have no funeral plan in place, the matter will rest in the hands of the bereaved.

Depending on the dynamics of the family involved, there can be disagreements concerning the appropriate funeral arrangements. There are matters of cremation versus burial, and whether there should be a traditional funeral or a direct burial or cremation. The type of memorial service that should be conducted, if any, is another matter that must be addressed. Few of us would feel comfortable leaving our loved ones behind engaged in potentially acrimonious exchanges regarding the details of the funeral.

This possibility is completely eliminated when you take the time to state your wishes concerning desired funeral arrangements in writing and include this document as a part of your estate plan. It is one of the routine components of a well planned estate and something you should definitely take into consideration.

Legacy APC, A Trusts & Estates Law Firm is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Tags: elder law, Estate Planning, funeral plans, probate lawyers, wills

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