Are you concerned about what would happen to your body if you were suddenly gone? Then you might want to plan ahead. Here are five compelling reasons why.
1) Legal requirements
You can choose how your body will be handled after your death and whether or not it will be used for scientific research by signing up as an organ or tissue donor. Your next of kin or relatives will be responsible for making funeral arrangements unless they decide that the cost is prohibitive – in which case a public administrator may decide on cremation or burial proceedings.
2) Peace of mind
Making plans for yourself and loved ones provides closure and give everyone involved more peace of mind. You will know exactly what happens when you die and prevent family and friends from having to make difficult and sensitive decisions at a very emotional time.
3) You need not worry about deception from funeral home staff
The staff at the mortuary will tell you anything to make a sale. Still, if you decide to plan, you need not worry because morticians are bound by ‘proprietary information’, which means they cannot disclose any personal information of the deceased or family members.
4) Aspiration, not obligation
By making arrangements for your funeral, you can also be as creative as you wish with the idea. There is no right or wrong way to plan a funeral, so feel free to think outside the box and focus on what really matters to you. You do not have to go down the traditional route, which includes a cathedral service if that’s not what you want – you can choose whatever takes your fancy, from holding an “afterlife” gathering/party in your living room or inviting friends around for lunch at home if that suits everyone better! Also, consider whether it would be preferable for close family members to attend a meeting with your lawyer to discuss what will happen or if it would be better for them to come to the funeral service.
5) You might not have much time left
If you are worried about how your assets will be distributed after death and who gets custody of your children, then now is probably a good time to sort everything out before something bad happens! If you don’t already have a Will in place, now’s the perfect opportunity – quick and easy online tools like Lawpack’s DIY Will can be completed in just half an hour.
You can choose how your body will be handled after your death and whether or not it will be used for scientific research by signing up as an organ or tissue donor.