When creating an Estate Plan, you take into account what you want done with your personal property after your eventual passing. While this is important, it is also important to know how you want to be treated after you die.
Perhaps you are interested in donating your body to science or for medical purposes. And what about your funeral? Who will be in charge of that? While these can be difficult things to consider, our compassionate attorneys at Nelson Elder Care Law can help you with making your End of Life Arrangements in Woodstock so you can feel confident moving forward.
In Georgia, you have the option to donate your body or organs upon your death. Under state law, certain factors must be assessed to determine your eligibility for donation, including your age, cause of death, and any underlying diseases or illnesses.
Additionally, you must provide written consent for organ donation, or have an agreement by all living heirs. This also applies if you wish to make or refuse an anatomical donation.
If your wishes are not clear, it will fall on your family to interpret your wishes, as well as the entity that will be receiving the donation. As there are specific laws in place to help identify what portions of anatomical gifts or donations need to be in writing to have them carried out and the end of your life, it could be beneficial to work with our local attorneys to help you make these arrangements.
Under Woodstock law, funeral arrangements are made through preplanning with a funeral home and your family. Often, it is up to the family who is considered next of kin or your spouse to plan your funeral arrangements.
If your next of kin rejects the responsibility for funeral arrangements, a plan will be set forth by the county to take care of your remains or appoint another party to accept responsibility. On the other hand, if there is a disagreement between family members regarding funeral arrangements, they can make a petition to the court to make the decision for them.
Notably, burial expenses do not automatically fall on your family members. In most cases, it is handled by the Estate. If you or your family have questions regarding funeral arrangements, you can speak with our experienced lawyers in Woodstock about your options.
If your family requests it, there are circumstances in which an autopsy can be performed. However, if it is not solicited by the county and is solely the decision of your family, then they will carry the burden of those costs. Autopsies are expensive, often ranging between $3,000 and $10,000.
It is important to know that if your family cannot afford it, or if your religious beliefs prohibit autopsies, they are not required. A written account explaining you or your family do not wish to have an autopsy can prevent it from happening.
If your loved ones believe they have a wrongful death claim, meaning your passing was caused by the negligent actions of another, then it is important for an autopsy to be conducted. This can help preserve evidence in an ensuing civil case. That said, if there are suspicious circumstances surrounding a death or it occurred in a certain space, like an assisted living center, then it could be beneficial to request an autopsy.
Making End of Life Arrangements in Woodstock can be made easier with guidance from the seasoned lawyers at Nelson Elder Care Law. We can walk you through the different options you have and help you decide what is the best choice for you. Call our office today and see how we can help you.
