preparing a Will and Making Burial Arrangements

Written Funeral Plans Can Spare Your Family Worry and Confusion

If you’ve ever worked to settle your loved one’s affairs after death, you know how difficult it can be to make arrangements and plan their funeral or memorial service. It’s important to honor the loved one’s wishes when planning a funeral or memorial service, but trying to make important decisions can be a tremendous source of confusion and stress. Loved ones may even disagree about different aspects of the sendoff, and it can be difficult to agree on what’s best.

One way to help alleviate potential stress and confusion is to take the time now to put your wishes in writing. A will and burial arrangements allows you to know that you will receive the services that you want, while taking a tremendous amount of pressure off of your family.

• Making Burial Arrangements When preparing your burial arrangements, include preferences for the type of service that you would like to have, as well as your wishes for final arrangements, such as whether you would like to be buried or cremated, as well as any other preferences that you have for your remains.
• Types of Services There are different types of services available; choosing which one/s to go with is entirely up to you.
  • Funeral The funeral is a traditional service, often held in a church or funeral home, with either an open or closed casket.
  • Viewing A viewing is a chance for family and friends to view or site with your body. A viewing is often held at the funeral home before your memorial. However, it can also be held in your home or church. A viewing is a chance for friends and family to say their final goodbyes.
  • Memorial A memorial is a less formal ceremony held to remember the person who has died. It generally takes place after the burial or cremation. Memorials are often held in public settings such as a church, restaurant, park, or house.
  • Wake A wake is the traditional memorial ceremony that is used to celebrate the life of the person who has died. Wakes are traditionally characterized by elements of both sadness and joy and can help friends and family through the grieving process.

• Preparing a Will An estimated almost 70% of Americans die without a will. This is unfortunate, as a will can make the management of your estate very clear and much easier. If you don't have a will, it often falls to the state to decide what will happen with your belongings, your finances, and even your children. One of the best ways to create a will is through a good estate attorney. However, you can also obtain software to create your own will, or go through an online legal service.

Outlining your wishes and creating a will isn’t something that most people like to think about, taking the time to get your affairs in order is a valuable gift that you leave behind for your family and loved ones. Taking care of the details ahead of time will free your family from unnecessary stress and confusion, and allow you to remain in control of your services, and the passing of your property.