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will be relieved of the emotional and also be transferred to another funeral
financial burden often associated with home, but unlike the irrevocable
making arrangements when a death trust account, it can be revoked, and
occurs. If pre funding your funeral, the funds returned to the person(s)
some funeral homes guarantee making the arrangements.
their funeral home charges, while
others may not. If not a guaranteed
trust account, the interest gained Basics of NY Estate
on the trust account can offset the Planning
inflationary pressures of the future. The death or incapacity of a loved
one is a difficult situation that,
Are there different types of pre-need unfortunately, all of us face eventually.
arrangements? The difference in the level of difficulty
As opposed to at-need arrangements, faced is entirely in your hands - how
when the death has already occurred, well did you plan for this contingency?
there are several reasons why With proper estate documentation in
families choose to make pre-need place, you can ensure that your family
arrangements. Often, when a loved and legacy are protected, and that
one is in a terminal state, and a family there is as little financial impact on
is referred to a hospice care, pre-need your family as possible.
the artistic element of the embalming the body present if I chose cremation? arrangements are made. Though the
process. Yes, cremation, as in burial or reality of the impending loss is very The basic estate plan has two
entombment is a form of final difficult to adjust to, the funeral essential aspects - the designation
Is embalming required by law? disposition. Cremation is very much director will gently guide the family of individuals to act on your behalf in
Embalming is not required by law. a part of the traditional funeral in planning the funeral. A family in the event of your incapacity, and the
It is, however, generally required to process. There may or may not be this situation will have the option to proper and clear disposition of assets
allow long delays between death a wake, a funeral service is either in place the funds into a trust account at in the event of your death, with an eye
and the funeral. A funeral home a place of worship or at the funeral this time. There are two types of trust towards the minimization of tax and
may require embalming for open home. Following the service, the accounts, irrevocable and revocable. administrative burdens on the loved
casket viewing during the funeral deceased is taken to the place of Both types of trust accounts can be ones you leave behind.
process. It effectively protects funeral final disposition, the crematory. Some transferred from one funeral home to
workers, family members and friends families will accompany the deceased another. Pre-need trust accounts in a In consulting with your attorneys
alike from a wide range of potential to the crematory for a final committal, majority of cases are irrevocable. for your initial estate planning
hazards, and removes the unpleasant much as it is performed in a cemetery, consultation, bring with you a list of
changes caused to the body by while others choose not to. The This is as a result of an individual your assets (including real estate,
death. Embalming is required when cremated remains become available requiring long term care, and is at bank accounts, investment accounts,
final disposition is in another country. to the family on average 3 to 5 days the point of applying for Medicaid annuities, retirement accounts),
Funeral directors must adhere to the following cremation. coverage. An irrevocable trust account liabilities, insurance policies and if
requirements of the receiving country, can only be used for the funeral of applicable, prenuptial agreements
and will obtain such requirements Why should I pre-arrange my funeral the beneficiary of the trust account. and judgments of divorce. With this
from the nearest local embassy of or burial? The trust account can be transferred information in hand, your attorneys
that country. When you plan ahead, you will be to another funeral home, but can will be able to give you informed
able to consider the many options never be revoked. A certified death advice regarding the best course of
What options are available besides in available. The opportunity will be certificate of the beneficiary is the action.
ground burial? there to make an informed decision only way the funds can be obtained.
Besides in ground burial, a family about the funeral, the type of service A prudent individual, not needing
may choose to have an entombment, and final disposition of burial, Medicaid, can also establish a pre-
placing of the casket in an above entombment or cremation. The need arrangement and place the
ground enclosure, or cremation. choices will be meaningful to you and funds into a revocable trust account
your family, and you will gain peace of for themselves or another family
Can I still have a funeral service with mind knowing your family and friends member. A revocable trust account can

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