Plan Ahead

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming to your surviving family and friends, but pre-planning your cremation service can help them better deal with the stress of losing someone.

Choose the Type of Service You Want

Pre-planning your cremation service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it helps ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making those final decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry with making those hard choices.

• Choose what cremation facility you would like to use to handle your service.
• Decide what type of service you want (direct cremation, etc.).
• Meet with the licensed professional and look at your options and urns and keepsakes.
• Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary.

Your family and friends want to take part in the process of fulfilling your final wishes, they only need instructions on what they need to do.

• Make sure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will.
• Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important account information that will need to be contacted and handled following your death. Also make sure someone knows your final wishes for your desired service.
• Designate someone to be your power of attorney.
• Have someone prepared to cancel basic utility services and subscriptions.

Making decisions about your cremation service in advance can benefit you and your survivors financially. If possible, pay for all expenses in advance, freeing your family from that financial burden. When possible, pre-pay for:

• Cremation services
• Documents or merchandise such as certified Death Certificates or urns.