New York Estate Planning & Elder Law Blog
Many people have discovered that funeral pre planning offers the opportunity to reduce the stress that is often associated with the end of life process.Unfortunately, however, people face a number of questions about the pre planning process. As a result, this article will reviews some of the most common questions asked by people in this situation. Before addressing any of these questions, it is important to understand that there are not any universals answers regarding how the end of life process should be performed. While some people prefer burials, other individuals decide that cremation is the best option.
# 1 – Understand the Costs Associated with a Funeral
It is important to understand how much money can be allocated to a funeral. This amount can change based on a number of variables. Understanding the exact amount that can be allocated to a funeral can greatly help a person anticipate the costs that might ultimately result from a funeral. For example, in many situations, cremation is less expensive than casket burial which can influence funeral plants.
# 2 – Other Things to Arrange Before a Death
In addition to anticipating costs, there are a number of other things that can be done before arranging for someone’s death. If applicable some of these steps include identifying the burial plot, understanding any requirements associated with the scattering of ashes, learning the requirements for donating remains for research, and gather personal documents so that important information is easily accessible.
# 3 – Review Estate Documents
An estate includes all of the assets and liabilities that are held by a deceased individual. This amount can include all of the money in a person’s numerous accounts, collectibles, and even real estate. The larger the amount of a person’s estate, the more likely that a estate planning attorney is necessary to perform the final transaction.
# 4 – Write the Ideal Obituary
Many people discover the writing an obituary can be particularly difficult, but doing so can help to reflect on the numerous changes that occur in a person’s life. If you find this task particularly challenging, it might be a better idea to write a basic outline and then hand the details to a loved who can make certain that this information is ultimately reflected in the article that is published.
# 5 – Share Passwords with Trustworthy Sources
When a person dies, that individual’s children are frequently left with the responsibility of contacting friends and family members to inform them about the parent’s death. Today, a large number of people connect with individuals online. As a result, it is a wise idea as part of your funeral planning to make sure that any passwords to online account are stored in a place where they can easily be found.
Speak with an Experienced Estate Planning Lawyer
If you have questions about the funeral planning process, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact Ettinger Law Firm today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who understands the numerous complications that arise with funeral planning.