Including Funeral Arrangements In Your Estate Planning
Some people may feel that it’s too morbid to organise your own funeral arrangements, and would rather leave it to friends and family to make the arrangements after your passing.
However, there are reasons why you might consider taking this task on yourself.
Why pre-plan your funeral?
One of the most compelling reasons is that nobody knows your wishes as well as you do. We would like to think our wishes will be respected after we die, but that becomes difficult if we don’t take the time to put them down in a formal manner that is easily understood by those who will act on them.
It’s also worth considering that trying to interpret what you would have liked to take place without any real guidance can be a difficult and emotionally taxing exercise for your loved ones. They would like to do right by you and may agonise over what the right thing to do is. By leaving clear instructions as part of your estate planning, this process is made much simpler.
Funeral arrangements to consider
Funerals or memorial services can be organised in any number of ways, and can be personalised specifically for you. You might want a service held in your home, at the graveside, at a funeral home, or a different location with special significance to you. Perhaps you are a nature lover and a small memorial in the Sunshine Coast hinterland would be special to you. There are a number of beautiful churches in Brisbane City and outskirts that are also special and reflective spaces for a celebration of life.
If you wish to be cremated, having your ashes scattered in a meaningful place can be a wonderful send-off. We should note that a permit will be required to scatter them on a Commonwealth land or marine reserve, and you will need permission from the landowner to use private land you don’t own.
You may also want a certain poem or speech, that is particularly dear to you, read out at the service. Also, think about any songs or pieces of music that you would like played.
Setting down your wishes
The easiest, and most common way to record your wishes regarding funeral arrangements is to include them in your will. Be as detailed as you can, specifying if you would like a burial or cremation, the location of the service, and even how you would like the service to take place. Speak with your executor to make sure your wishes are clear and can be carried out effectively.
It’s also important to consider that funeral arrangements can be cost prohibitive, depending on what you desire. It is well worth thinking about putting aside funding in your will to cover the cost of carrying out your wishes.
There are compelling reasons to articulate your wishes regarding the handling of your remains after you pass. If you want to include this in your estate planning, there are a variety of associated considerations that need to be thought through, to make the process as easy as possible for your loved ones. If you have any concerns, speaking with an experienced family lawyer can help.
We recommend reviewing your will annually to ensure it is us to date. Births, deaths and marriages within the family can impact how you would like your estate to be distributed. Appointing an executor is also crucial so that when the time comes, there is a person who will take on responsibility for administering your estate and will be both prepared and aware of the responsibility being asked of them.
If you are searching for legal advice, we would love to assist you. Book an obligation-free discovery call today.
