No one likes to spend time focusing on the end of their life; however, if you don’t devote time to doing so now, your wishes may not be honored when the time comes. For example, if you have strong beliefs about end of life medical care, the disposition of your body after death, and/or the type of service held in remembrance of your life, you should consult with an elder law attorney to ensure that those wishes and beliefs are honored. Moreover, your loved ones could end up in a divisive court battle over the right to make healthcare decisions for you if you don’t decide yourself who should make them in the event you cannot. Conflict may also erupt after you are gone if loved ones cannot agree on the details of your funeral and burial. Executing advance directives and taking the time to incorporate funeral and burial planning into your estate plan is the best way to ensure that your wishes are honored and prevent discord among your loved ones.
