Though it can often be upsetting and overwhelming to consider, taking the time to make important decisions related to your passing is incredibly important. You’ll find that we often take the ability to make deeply personal choices for granted, and if you prolong this process, you may not have the ability to explicate your wishes. As such, it is critical to consider your wishes for your funeral. If you’re like most people, you may believe that simply including funeral instructions in your will is sufficient. However, you’ll want to keep reading to learn more about your options and why working with Tampa estate planning lawyers to guide you through this process is in your best interest.
What Is the Function of a Will?
A will is generally one of the most important legal documents you can include in your estate plan, as you’ll find that this often acts as a foundation for the rest of your plan. This document’s primary purpose is to outline how you would like your estate distributed after your passing. As such, you can include instructions on how certain property should be handled, which beneficiaries will receive which assets, and even instructions regarding how to pass down a business.
In addition to distributing your assets, a will also allows you to appoint a guardian for your minor children. This is critical, as it ensures you can choose who would take care of your children in the event something should happen to you.
Can a Will Include Funeral Instructions?
When drafting a will, you may believe that including your funeral wishes is the most effective option. However, you may be surprised to learn that leaving your burial instructions in this document may not be in your best interest. Instead, you may want to create a document known as a funeral directive. As the name suggests, this allows you to leave detailed instructions on how you would like your remains handled following your passing. Additionally, this allows you to appoint someone to make any important decisions that may arise.
One of the primary reasons that you may want to consider creating a funeral directive is that it is more secure than a will. There is a high likelihood that your funeral will occur before your executor has been appointed or your will has been read. As such, if you include your wishes in this document, they may not be honored. Additionally, because the primary purpose of a will is to distribute your property and not for final arrangements, it is not as legally binding as a funeral directive.
Planning your own funeral can be incredibly overwhelming. However, when you work with the experienced attorneys at Tampa Law Group, our team will do everything possible to help you ensure that your wishes are honored so you can achieve peace of mind. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
