The best way to look out for yourself when thinking about your death plan is to make a preneed.
Even if you don’t have it paid in full, it makes sure your designated person knows exactly what you want and where to go. If you do pay it off, it’ll lock in today’s prices to protect you financially. Funeral costs go up every year without fail.
When you make the contract, you’ll meet with a preneed counselor and should be able to get a feel for the facility. If you don’t like how it feels, go elsewhere! Shop around till you are comfortable. A preneed will also document who your designated person is, which can save a lot of headaches later with other family members trying to get involved.
It will also have your chosen name and gender information on it.
(Although the death certificate will still have to be submitted as whatever the legal name and gender is on the government record.)
Partner, life partner, boy/Girl friend, etc. are also not options listed for the informant of the death certificate. I once had to put a man’s life partner down as “friend” because they were not legally married; I couldn’t write “spouse.”Making a will from an attorney who specializes in probate would be your best bet if you are not wanting to get married or you are single, in my opinion. It doubles down on who you want in charge, what your wishes are, and can include distribution of your assets. Having a preneed and a will is the best-case scenario to protect yourself.
In terms of who calls the shots if you die without a preneed or a will, that can get tricky legally, so here’s how it goes in Florida.
If you are single or divorced, that means your parents or adult children are legally responsible for your funeral arrangements. If your parents are deceased and you have no living children, it just goes down the line of kinship.
If you are legally married, congratulations. Your spouse calls the shots, and I’m guessing that’s fine with you. BUT if you are not married, it does not matter how long you have been with your partner; common law is not a thing. Power of attorney also means nothing after your loved one passes, although it is a wonderful tool in making sure your medical wishes are carried out correctly.
My advice to anyone who is concerned and wants to make a death plan is to talk it out with their person. Look out for your best interest, and take the time to think of what you truly want.
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