Your death will be traumatic to family and friends. Making matters worse, several decisions will have to be made immediately at a time when most survivors are in no condition to think rationally. Your thoughtful consideration of the problems and choices your survivors must face will ease this difficult situation. Moreover, you may save your estate significant amounts of money.
Financial decisions made during emotional crises easily become expensive decisions.
Because of tradition, sentiment and lack of planning, survivors usually spend much more money than is necessary for the funeral or memorial service. Even if the survivors think of comparison shopping, some may feel that asking about prices is in poor taste. Funeral costs can be quite high and a poor decision can significantly cut into the remaining estate. Although it may sound unpleasant, your advance planning for the memorial ceremony and disposition of the body may ease your family's trauma and save them unnecessary expense. Your body must be disposed of.