Planning for the future involves more than inheritance; it encompasses preparing for all aspects of life, including mortality. One frequently overlooked but crucial aspect of estate planning is funeral and burial planning which includes variations on that theme, such as cremation and celebrations of life. If you are in Southeastern Massachusetts, now is the time to contact the knowledgeable, caring attorneys at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. to discuss your options.
This blog provides a thorough overview of funeral and burial planning, emphasizing the importance of including these considerations in your estate plan to ensure your wishes are legally protected.
The Importance of Funeral and Burial Planning
While sometimes difficult, planning your funeral and burial arrangements is a thoughtful and responsible choice. It allows you to make decisions based on your preferences, ensuring that your final wishes will be carried out and providing your family with the gift of knowing they will be keeping a meaningful promise.
What Should Be Included in Funeral and Burial Planning?
When engaging in funeral and burial planning, it is helpful to consider the following:
Type of Service
You may prefer a traditional funeral service (religious or not), a memorial service in the days immediately after your death, or a celebration of life later in the year. You may want a particular piece of music played, a particular person to give a eulogy, or whoever wants to tell a memory or recite a poem to do so. Some people want to orchestrate their funeral or memorial precisely, down to the type of flowers at the ceremony. Others may be more comfortable letting a close relative or friend make most of the decisions.
Burial Preferences
As noted earlier, not everyone wants a burial; some prefer cremation. After deciding what you want done with the remains, you may want to either select a burial plot or decide whether you want your ashes scattered or placed in an urn. In addition to giving you peace of mind, making such choices will relieve your loved ones of the stress of making these decisions in the painful period after your loss.
How Beliefs Feature in Funeral and Burial Planning
Religious and moral beliefs play a significant role in funeral and burial planning. Your beliefs may dictate:
- Rituals and traditions
- Choice of officiant
- Treatment of remains
- Memorialization
- Preferences for headstones or monuments
- Possible donation of organs
It’s essential to communicate your beliefs clearly to ensure they are respected in your funeral arrangements.
Where Should You Document Your Wishes About Funeral and Burial Planning?
To ensure your wishes are legally binding and easily accessible, we will help you include them in one of these documents:
- Will
- Advance Directive
- Separate Funeral Planning Document
It is critical to Inform your family members and your appointed personal representative about the location of these documents. In the tumultuous aftermath of your death, it is too easy for this essential information to be unclear. This is especially true if you put your wishes in your will since most often the will won’t be officially read until after the funeral.
FAQs About Funeral and Burial Planning
Is scattering ashes legal in Massachusetts?
Yes, scattering ashes is legal in both Massachusetts and across the United States. However, certain restrictions may apply, such as obtaining permission for scattering on private property or in public spaces.
Can I change my mind about my funeral preferences?
Yes, you can update your funeral and burial preferences at any time by getting in touch with our estate planning attorneys.
What if I don’t have specific preferences?
If you do not specify your preferences, decisions will typically fall to your next of kin or appointed personal representative. This individual may make different choices than you would have.
Contact Our Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys Now
Funeral and burial planning is a significant aspect of estate planning in Southeastern Massachusetts as it is everywhere. Consulting with our skilled attorneys to document your final wishes ensures that they will be carried out with respect and dignity. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in incorporating funeral and burial planning into your comprehensive estate plan.
