Why Should I Pre-Plan a Funeral?

Pre-planning a funeral can be seen as a very sensitive subject. However, it is extremely vital to know the legal steps to take after a loved one’s passing and how to properly prepare before it actually happens.

There are numerous occasions where families are unable to properly mourn the loss of their loved ones. Decisions about the type of funeral the person would have wanted, and even the budget can sometimes lead to a family disagreement. With pre-planning, you have the chance to create a more meaningful and well thought out funeral by following your loved one’s wishes and requests.

There are essential steps to take when a loved one passes that you may not want to think about in your time of grief.

Notifying Social Security

Social security should be notified as soon as possible after a death occurs. The death will be filed with the state and the funeral home director will notify social security as soon as they receive all necessary information from you. The death certificate must be filed electronically within 72 hours after the death occurs.(Is this the funeral direction? Who files it? Where does it say it has to be filed within 72 hours? Many time they are available that quickly.) The certificate contains two documents – the Certified Death Abstract and the Death Registration Form. It is impossible to have a funeral without these documents. The funeral director typically files the death certificate with the proper officials, and after the certificate is processed, copies will be made for your personal records at a cost of $10-15 each.

Probating the Will

Probating the will can sometimes be difficult to understand. Essentially, it is the legal process of distributing a person’s assets to their beneficiaries. Depending on factors surrounding the estate, going through probate can take up to nine months or more. One thing many people do not realize is that several assets, such as bank funds, are not automatically given to the loved one’s family members after a passing. This is why it is extremely vital to have all assets divided and distributed to the beneficiaries even if your loved one did not create a will.

Additional Steps to Take

Comprehending and understanding these legal steps can potentially save you an ample amount of time and money. Many people are unaware that they must file their loved one’s taxes the same year that they passed. People are also unaware that all debts and bills should be paid in a specific legal order. For example, individuals should pay the funeral bill before paying any medical bills that their loved one may have had before passing. Without following these procedures in order, the executor may be responsible for paying the full funeral bill and other bills.

Contact Nelson Elder Care Law Today

The legal team at Nelson Elder Care Law provides pre-planning services to help clients ease any burden before the inevitable happens. Planning in advance is the best way to save money, protect all your valuable assets, and grant the wishes of your loved one. It is important to keep in mind that elder care law is for all ages and not just for the elderly. Provide peace to yourself and your family by giving them the opportunity to plan in advance with a seasoned attorney.

Hear From Our Clients

“On the threshold of retirement, we finally decided to quit thinking we could self-prepare the requisite documents. We had previously had only a very simple will. We needed the necessary legal (including updated will) & health care docs but didn’t want to deal with the time & complication of legalese. Cindy made the process relatively painless. She took the time to explain and answer questions without trying to upsell services. We were done in 2 meetings plus the reading of emailed drafts. In addition to preparing the documents, Nelson Eldercare will be there when our adult children need advice on executing the plans we’ve put in place.So glad it’s behind us and would recommend Cindy and her helpful staff.”

- Bonnie

Cindy and her company treat their clients like family. Nelson’s offers clear, direct, and honest guidance in planning for your families security and future. No one wants to actively sit down and make these decisions, but Nelson’s makes this process seamless. I was so impressed with their willingness to answer all questions big or small. So glad I made the decision have them help my mom and dad and now me. You can’t go wrong with Nelson’s Elder Care Law.

- Hope

The very best elder law attorney and staff anyone could ever ask for! I have referred a number of clients to Cindy and she never disappoints. She is kind, caring, and extremely thorough in making sure everything is completed as it should be. I highly recommend Cindy for anyone needing lawyer services; she truly goes above and beyond for every client she helps and has had a huge impact in so many peoples’ lives. Thank you, Cindy and staff, for everything that you do- I’m so glad to know you!

- Kerri

I heard Cindy’s presentation at a Senior Luncheon at my church, and was very impressed. She helped my daughter and me understand many aspects of elder law. Josh has also been very helpful in my planning to enter an independent living situation . I have told many friends about them.

- Charlotte

Cindy and the Nelson Elder Care Law team are trustworthy and helpful. They are the experts in elder care law. At Leaf Cremation, we entrust our families to the care of the Nelson team when their services are needed.

- Pierce