Category Archives: Funeral Arrangements
What Legal Documents Should You Have?
You might think that the coronavirus pandemic has caused everyone to get their estate planning documents in order, but the 20th annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of Retirees found that 30% of all retirees have nothing prepared—not even a will. That’s not good, for them or their families, says this timely article “6 Legal Documents… Read More »
What Needs to Happen after a Spouse Dies?
Making funeral arrangements, paying medical bills and closing down accounts are just the start of the tasks that a surviving spouse must take charge of, advises the recent article “Checklist for Handling the Death of a Spouse” from U.S. News & World Report. It can be overwhelming, especially with the intense emotions that come… Read More »
Save Your Family Stress and Plan Your Funeral
Making your way through the process of the death of a family member is an extremely personal journey, as well as a very big business that can put a financial strain on the surviving family. Rate.com’s recent article entitled “Plan Your Own Funeral, Cheaply, and Leave Behind a Happier Family” notes that on an… Read More »
Not a Festive Thought, But A Kind One: Planning for Your Own Funeral
Leaving instructions for your funeral and burial wishes relieves loved ones of the burden of making decisions and hoping they are following your wishes. In addition, says the article “Important to provide instructions for preferred funeral, burial wishes” from The Leader, it also prevents arguments between relatives and friends who have their own opinions… Read More »
Why It’s Always Better to Plan Ahead
Two stories of two people who managed their personal lives very differently illustrate the enormous difference that can happen for those who refuse to prepare themselves and their families for the events that often accompany aging. As an article from Sedona Red Rock News titled “Plan ahead in case of sudden sickness or death”… Read More »
Should I Get Attorney to Write My Will?
Drafting a will is an essential part of estate planning. Even though it’s vitally important, a recent survey from AARP revealed that two out of five Americans over the age of 45 don’t have one. The Reflector’s recent article, “Things people should know about creating wills, ” says that writing your wishes down on… Read More »
The Decedent’s Debts: Who’s on First?
Estate planning attorneys are used to family members who, for some reason, determine that credit card bills need to be paid off first, when a loved one dies. It’s not the first thing to pay, advises The Mercury its article “There is a priority of debts when you die.” In fact, credit card debt… Read More »
What Does ‘Getting Your Affairs in Order’ Really Mean?
That “something” that happens that no one wants to come out and say is that you are either incapacitated by a serious illness or injury or the ultimate ‘something, ’ which is death. There are steps you can take that will help your family and loved ones, so they have the information they need… Read More »
Who Will Control the Funeral Arrangements When I Die?
nj.com’s recent article, “Why does a funeral home need my signature?” explains that what happens with funeral planning, depends on the deceased’s will and state law. This issue may become important, depending on whether the deceased designated a funeral agent in his or her will. The funeral agent is the legal way to designate… Read More »
Why Would a Person Like Me Need a Will?
Wills don’t have to be complicated, but it’s best to work with a seasoned estate planning attorney. Wills must be dated, signed, witnessed and notarized. If you don’t have a will, it delays the process considerably and may delay payment of the deceased’s assets to his or her heirs. To eliminate some of the… Read More »