One of the many benefits of a well-crafted estate planning strategy is the ability to account for nearly any need and circumstance you and your family may face. For some clients, that means sharing specific end-of-life wishes they want to be carried out soon after they’re gone — wishes that traditionally aren’t covered by a will or trust. This is where burial directives can help.
While planning for the day you die can be uncomfortable, there is peace of mind in knowing there are ancillary documents that cater to your unique needs and ensure your family doesn’t get caught up in an unfortunate guessing game.
Burial Directives — Defined
Burial directives, also known as funeral directives, are a separate list of instructions where you appoint someone to organize and carry out memorial and funeral arrangements on your behalf. They should spell out exactly what you want to happen next, and there really aren’t any limitations in terms of how detailed you want to get.
A few tasks and responsibilities burial directives might include:
- Carry out the disposition of your remains (i.e., cremation or burial)
- Preferences on where your remains should be kept before the funeral, subject to legal restrictions
- Organize your memorial service and funeral
- How you’d like your funeral conducted (i.e., a specific priest, etc.)
- Plans for covering funeral costs
So, for example, you could specify that you want to be cremated and have your ashes taken to Florida and spread in a private ceremony at your favorite vacation home. You could also request a traditional funeral and that you be laid to rest in a family plot that has already been paid for.
Burial directives complement other critical documents, including healthcare directives and powers of attorney.
Please call Christman | Daniell Attorneys, for your legal needs today!
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