Have you ever thought about planning your funeral?
After all, the Bible itself confirms that each of us has an appointment with death: "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)
Given that fact of life (or, is it that fact of death), what have you done about it?
If you are like most people I encounter in my estate planning practice - nothing.
Planning your funeral may seem like a morbid task.
However, it can significantly reduce the stress and financial burden on your loved ones after you die.
Gretchen and I have taken care of this, so "we eat our own cooking" when it comes to this advice.
In fact, our "final resting place" will be at a military cemetery, most likely joining other military family members before us in Fort Scott, Kansas (see photo below).
Choice Mutual's recent article "How To Plan Your Own Funeral: 10-Step Guide + Checklist" explains that making decisions about your funeral arrangements in advance can ensure that your final wishes are respected and that your family is spared from making difficult decisions during a time of grief.
After a death, family and loved ones are responsible for managing your estate and organizing a funeral while grieving.
Planning your funeral early while drafting or as part of your estate plan is a thoughtful and responsible step that alleviates the emotional and financial strain on your loved ones.
If you have already created your estate plan, an experienced estate planning attorney can help you detail your funeral planning in a "My Last Wishes" document or addendum to your estate planning documents.
These documents provide crucial guidance that reflects your personal preferences and eases the decision-making process for loved ones.
Planning your funeral is one of the best gifts you can give to your family. (Fort Scott, Kansas)
One of the first decisions in pre-planning is selecting a funeral home.
This choice is crucial as it can significantly affect the logistics and cost of your funeral services.
Consider the reputation, services offered and pricing of different funeral homes.
You can select a funeral home, create a plan, and even prepay for it.
Share existing plans or prepayments with your estate planning lawyer.
Do you prefer a burial or cremation?
Each option involves different considerations, such as the type of ceremony, the handling of remains, and the associated costs. If you choose burial, consider the kind of burial—traditional, in a vault, or natural.
If cremation is your choice, decide whether you want it done before or after the funeral service and what should happen to your ashes.
Your funeral or memorial service can reflect your personality and values.
Decide whether you want a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, or a simple memorial service.
Each type of service offers different atmospheres and can be tailored to how you wish to be remembered.
For LCMS Lutherans, our funeral service is provided in our Lutheran Service Book.
In fact, at the end of a Lutheran funeral, an appropriate question would be, "Did someone die?"
Spoiler alert: "It" is not about us.*
Think about the location, the attendees, and the flow of the ceremony.
Would you prefer a religious, secular, or culturally specific service?
Details like flowers, music, and readings should also be considered, as these can make the service personal and meaningful.
Creating a "My Last Wishes" document of your funeral plans and sharing it with your family is essential.
This document should detail all your decisions—from the type of service to the specifics of your burial or cremation preferences.
It is also wise to discuss these plans with your loved ones to ensure that they understand your wishes and the reasons behind them.
Consider how you will finance your burial.
Options include savings, life insurance, prepaid burial plans, or relying on your estate.
Your estate planning attorney can guide you in choosing the right prepaid funeral plan based on your financial situation.
Planning your funeral can significantly ease the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones.
By making critical decisions about your funeral arrangements, such as the type of service and financing options, you ensure that your wishes are honored and relieve your family of added stress.
Consulting with a qualified estate planning attorney can provide clarity and direction, ensuring you make informed decisions integrated with your estate plan.
*“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:16-17
This post is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney for advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship between Harvest Law KC and the reader.
Reference: Choice Mutual (April 2, 2024) "How To Plan Your Own Funeral: 10-Step Guide + Checklist"
REMEMBER: “The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.”
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