Living wills often include the decedent's wishes for final arrangements. Health care proxy. Some people sign only a living will, others only a health care proxy, some both. If the living will is silent, the health care proxy may include directions as to how to handle funeral and other steps. Deed for a burial plot.
Many people purchase plots in advance.
Locating this information can resolve the issue in many cases as to where and to some extent how the decedent's burial or internment should be handled. Pre-need funeral trust. The decedent may have made arrangements in advance for funeral costs. Review the decedent's letter of instructions and other important papers for this. Ask close friends and family whether they were aware of such arrangements.