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Pre–Planning Checklist

Pre–planning your funeral makes sense and protects your loved ones. Taking control of the important things in life feels good, and it's the smart thing to do for you and your family.

Prepare the Details

• Prepare a contact list of individuals who should be notified in the event of a medical emergency or death.
• Write an obituary or jot down information you would like included in an obituary.
• Decide where obituary and memorial information should appear (local and/or out–of–town newspapers).
• Determine who you would like to have be responsible for arranging the funeral.
• Choose the type of service you would like, including whether you prefer burial or cremation and make those arrangements. You will need to decide:
• Which funeral home to use
• What type(s) of service(s) you would like: religious, military, non–denominational, or fraternal
• Which cemetery you would prefer, and select a lot or grave location
• Who might wish to have serve as pallbearers
• What type of music or favorite music, you would prefer. (or not prefer)
• What type of flowers you would prefer (or not prefer)
• Do you have any favorite readings/poems or bible passages you want read?
• Select the speakers and the eulogies that you would want to represent you.
• Would you like donations or contributions made on your behalf? If so, to what charities or causes would you like donations to be given?

Arrange & Delegate

• Designate a power of attorney to ensure that proper information can be accessed in the event of your illness or death. Make sure a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will are in place so that your wishes are carried out if you are unable to do so. Contact a legal professional for assistance in arranging these details.
• Give your executor a copy of your will. Safety deposit boxes are often not opened up until sometime during the Estate Settlement process, which will be after the funeral. While it may be valuable to place important documents in a safe deposit box, it is equally valuable to have copies of such documents available at hand, in the event that a safety deposit box is not readily accessible.
• Make sure your representative has a list of important account information or telephone numbers for retirement plans, insurance policies, investments, bank accounts, safe–deposit boxes, properties, preferred law and accountant firms and mortuaries. Remind your personal representative that the Social Security Administration will need to be called and, if you're receiving benefits such as those from the Veteran's Administration, they should be contacted as well.
• Make arrangements for pets to find a new home.