Trusts also permit elderly people to plan for the possibility that they might become incapable of dealing with their property some day. Give certain people copies of your will Keep in mind that, in many states, safe deposit boxes are often sealed at the time of death and are not opened until the bank receives letters from the probate court. This is why it is probably best to leave the original of your will with your estate planning attorney and keep only a copy in your safe deposit box. It is also wise to give another copy of your will and other important documents to the person you named in your will as your executor or to another trusted friend or relative. This letter should spell out your funeral wishes, including what kind of a funeral or memorial service you desire, what you wish to happen to your remains and, if you desire to be buried, where you want to be buried.
Some people even specify what music they want played at their funeral.
Your letter of instructions should also list the people to be contacted immediately after your death, giving their addresses and telephone numbers, and where your will and other key papers can be found. Do not place this letter of instructions in your safe deposit box. Give the letter to a trusted friend or relative or leave it where it will easily and quickly be found in the event of your death. Consider funeral preplanning Some people prepay for their funerals, while others simply pick out their casket, funeral home and do all the detail work ahead of time. Preplanning can relieve stress on your survivors and give you control over the ultimate cost of your funeral.