Planning for the inevitable involves taking difficult decisions out of the hands of your loved ones if possible. With this in mind it is a good idea to consider leaving behind instructions regarding your final arrangements.
There is a lot to consider when you get into the subject, but we will boldly confront something that everyone is aware of but few people talk about: How much should you spend?
Let’s assume that you are going to be buried rather than cremated. The selection of a casket is going to be necessary, and they come in widely varying prices. While funeral directors are generally people of integrity, they are businesspeople after all and there is certainly a bit of emotional leverage to be had when you are selling someone a coffin.
If your family members have to make this decision they are clearly being put in an awkward position. On the other hand, if you state your wishes in advance and perhaps even prepay for your funeral this uncomfortable scenario will never play itself out.
In addition to choices that have financial implications there are many other details to attend to and decisions that must be made. Exactly how you would like things to proceed is a personal decision, and you can be proactive about asserting your wishes while you are executing your estate planning documents.
If you would like to discuss the matter, simply take a moment to arrange for a consultation with a licensed Hartford estate planning lawyer.
- Can You Give Inheritances in Advance to Limit Estate Taxes? - August 11, 2026
- Do Trusts Pay Taxes on Capital Gains? - July 9, 2026
- How Does a Trust Differ From a Will? - July 7, 2026
( By appointment only )