Top 5 funeral planning mistakes to avoid in your Indiana estate plan
Planning for the end of your life is not easy, but it’s one of the best things you can do to make sure that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones don’t have to bear unnecessary burdens. When it comes time to plan an estate, many people forget to include their funeral arrangements. Funeral planning can cause confusion, conflict and financial or emotional strain on surviving family members when it is neglected. The Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft
have compiled a list of the top five funeral mistakes you should avoid in your Indiana estate planning. If you don’t leave clear instructions about your funeral, you will leave your loved ones guessing what you would have liked. They may not be aware of your preferences for burial or cremation. They may also not know if you preferred a religious or secular service, or where you would like to be buried. It is possible that family members disagree and cause conflict at a time of need. Creating a written funeral plan and sharing it with your family and/or your attorney provides guidance and reassurance to those who will carry out your wishes.Keeping Your Wishes a Secret: If you have taken the time to plan your funeral, do not make the common mistake of keeping those plans locked away or only mentioning them in your Will, all because it is an uncomfortable topic of conversation. The Last Will and Testament is not read until several days following death, at which point your funeral may have already taken place. It is important that those who are responsible for your affairs, like your Executor or family members, know your funeral preferences and where to find relevant documents. Not Considering the Financial Effect:
- Funerals are expensive and this is another common mistake. According to the National Funeral Directors Association the average cost of a US funeral can range anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000. These costs can fall on the surviving family members without proper planning. Prepaying your funeral or setting money aside through a payable on death account, trust or life insurance policy will help cover these costs and prevent financial hardship. It is important to consult with your estate planning attorney to determine the best way to allocate funds for funeral costs within your overall estate plan.Ignoring Legal and Cultural Considerations:
- Funeral customs and requirements vary widely depending on religious, cultural, and legal traditions. Ignoring legal and cultural considerations can lead you to make mistakes that could delay burials, offend family or even violate local law. Some states have rules that specify who can authorize cremation, or what permits are needed for a burial. It is important to document your religious or cultural preferences so that those who will be carrying out your plan understand and are prepared to honor them. Consulting with both a funeral professional and an estate planning attorney can help you navigate these requirements and avoid unnecessary complications.Relying on DIY Documents:
- Finally, many people attempt to create funeral plans using online tools or generic forms without understanding the limitations of those documents. Online resources can be a good starting point, but they lack the legal specificity or customization that is needed to make your plan effective. Funeral instructions that are unclear or do not take into account the realities of state laws may be overlooked or challenged. An experienced estate planning attorney can help ensure that your funeral plan is legally sound, clearly expressed, and fully integrated with the rest of your estate planning documents.Can We Help You Avoid Funeral Planning Mistakes in Your Indiana Estate Plan?
- For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. Contact the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys of Frank & Kraft
- or call (317) 684-500
for an appointment. Read More!
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