Life Insurance

The first method of paying for a funeral service is using the deceased’s life insurance policy. Life insurance is a coverage that provides people with a lump sum of money after the holder’s unfortunate demise. The people who receive this money are known as the beneficiaries. Keep in mind that the amount of money received depends on how much the holder had paid on it and the type of the policy itself. Whole life insurance typically has a set amount that increases as time goes on. You can use a portion of the money to pay for all the expenses necessary for the funeral.

A Personal Loan

If you’re looking to fund the funeral yourself, but find out you don’t have enough money to cover expenses, a personal loan may be the solution. A personal loan is one of various types of loans you can take out. As the name suggests, this particular loan can be used for personal use, which basically means anything you want or need. In order to get approved, you do need a reasonably high credit score. It doesn’t have to be the best score, although that would most certainly help for the most favorable rates. However, low credit scores usually aren’t accepted. The lower your score, the less likely you are to be approved or you won’t receive as much. Your best course of action is to borrow from a private lender. They’re more likely to offer low APR personal loans. Lower annual percentage rates mean you pay less interest back over the course of the loan.

Crowdfunding

Most people these days like to associate crowdfunding with starting a business. However, crowdfunding can be used for much more than that. Crowdfunding is simple to understand as it’s when multiple people donate varying sums of money to a cause or an event. Some people may donate small amounts while others may feel inclined to give away as much as $100 or more. It really depends on the person and the cause. If you’re considering crowdfunding, GoFundMe is an excellent platform. If you need to use this type of platform, be honest and only ask for the exact amount you need for funeral preparation.

The Grieving Process

Losing a loved means that you need time to grieve. Give yourself enough time to grieve without having to put on a brave face. If possible, ask a trusted friend or family member to help with the funeral arrangements. If you have small children, you can also ask for some time alone to work through your feelings.

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We are often unsure of how to say goodbye to our departing loved ones when the time arrives. All of us want to make the last few moments count. Once they leave us for good, we all go through grief that continues to hurt us in the days ahead.

Some of you can even hold back your emotions, and a turmoil filled with anger, fear, or confusion sets within you. 

Be With Them

Being with your loved ones is crucial, especially when you know that their end is near. People often give into a sense of anger or denial. Such emotions clouding your judgment can prove to be detrimental in the upcoming days. 

Though you must acknowledge your emotions, an essential aspect is also to show your support to the person in their last days. The person dear to you is going through a rough time. Even they are grappling with a lot of emotions. 

Being there silently without spelling a syllable can also mean and express a lot of emotions. It can make all the difference to the person who is going through such a difficult phase.

Enquire what they need and remind them of your continued presence with them. Fulfilling the dying wishes for their ultimate journey through the funeral process can also mean a lot. This way, you can prepare yourself for the exact necessities, that they would have liked to leave their mortal stature. 

The Love 

Frustration and fear can often overpower the simple emotions that you feel and want to exhibit to your departing loved one. Spend your time reminiscing about the love that you share with them instead of the fear of the eventual reality.

Letting them know that they are in the midst of a company that comprises people who love them dearly can help boost their morale to face the final days. As the situation demands, you may seek or offer forgiveness for any deed of the past. A closure is one of the indispensable aspects of you to grip with the situation after their demise. 

A Memorabilia 

Take a small step to collect the photos from various family members and friends. Add catchy captions to remind them of the fun that you had during the capture of those memories. Focusing and celebrating the positive sides during the last days can help you both cope with the situation.

Seek Help 

It often happens that many people prefer to have a hospice team to support them during their final days. It is okay to seek help. Do not curse or demotivate yourself if you can not do it. Professionals can help your loved ones, and you mollify through the process.

Help can also come from spiritual support counselors and social workers. They can help you learn how to bid goodbye to your loved ones. Such people with experience can help you sail through and seek solutions for your concrete and existential concerns.

The Funeral

Being part of the funeral is one of the last things that you can do for your loved one, whom you have lost recently. Plan the funeral in a way so that all their near and dear ones can take part in it. 

Since they are an outdoor affair, keep note of weather conditions. A good idea can be to check the forecasted weather condition on the day of the funeral on https://www.tomorrow.io/weather/. This way, you can avoid any rains or other unforeseen weather conditions. 

Have your close friends and family accompanying you to the funeral to support you through the process.

Adios Amor

The excruciating pain and grief are part of what you can expect after the demise of someone close to you. Identify a spot that is close to them or a place that has your good times’ memories etched. Carry a picture of them and say words that you would want them to hear from you. Such words are better spelled aloud than being pent up inside you. 

Pen It Down

If you have been able to speak your mind, you can try and pen down them too. Write a piece, be it a poem, letter, or a diary entry, for your loved ones. It can help you work on your emotional pain. 

Put the words in a way as if you are talking to them directly. Try to capture all those unsaid words that you were unable to tell them while they were alive. It can help you bid farewell on good terms. 

So, bidding goodbye is tough. You can help your loved ones, who are on their way to their last journey, and yourself by pursuing the above steps. These can help you cope with the grief and avoid any chances of clinical depression that people most often have.

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Do What You Love

You may feel guilty in the beginning but getting back to doing the things you love will get easier in time. Start slowly by introducing your favorite hobbies back into your routine. If you love cycling but feel like it would take a lot out of you physically, why not invest in an e-bike? You can ride without the need to pedal and still enjoy the freedom of the open road and the wind in your hair. 

If the movies are where you used to spend your Friday nights, why not make a pact to go once a month? Perhaps you lived for live music events? Check to see if there are any upcoming gigs in your local area. The sooner you get back doing the things you enjoy, the sooner you’ll start to feel a glimmer of your old self coming back. 

Know That It’s Ok to Feel the Way You Do

We all experience grief differently and the emotions you’re feeling right now might not be the same as the other people in your life who are also grieving. Whether you feel sad, lonely, frustrated, angry or regretful, know that it’s ok to feel the way you do. Know that there’s no time limit on your emotions so don’t be feeling under pressure to change the way you feel. 

Take Care of Yourself

It can be easy to slip into a bad routine of eating unhealthy food and barely exercising when you’re so focused on how you’re feeling inside. Try not to fall too deep into this trap as it can be very hard to break these habits. Self-care should be something you’re focused on as it’s the state of your physical and mental health that will determine what kind of a person you will be when you emerge from this period in your life. 

Think about what makes you feel good and what does not. Going to work can be a great distraction for some people whilst others would prefer to be tucked up in bed. Are there certain people in your life that make you feel good and optimistic about the future? Are you taking on too much in your personal life? These are all things to think about. 

Share Memories 

Keep the memory of your loved one alive by sharing the amazing memories you have of your time together. Some memories may be very hard to even think about whilst others will make you feel so grateful and happy that you got to share a part of your life with that person. Don’t be afraid to open up and share those memories with other people in your life as you’d never know how talking openly can help someone else who may be struggling too.

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Understanding Your Loved One’s Wishes

Try to find out what the individuals wishes are once they are gone. You might ask them what they want for their funeral, and see if there are already any arrangements in place. You might not want to talk about the funeral just yet, but you can show you respect their desires, and it will ensure the funeral is more personal. Still, talking about this subject should be done in a delicate way. Try to keep things simple for everyone.

You can also talk about whether or not they have a will in place and where they keep it. If not, you might want to do some end-of-life planning with them. You can review a guide on end of life planning to help you understand what else might need to be done. If your loved one does not have a will and is well enough, this might be a good time to have them make one. Still, it might not be practical at this time. If that is the case, there are protocols in place when someone passes away without a will. Just make sure you respect whatever choice they make and know that there might be some differences in your opinions.

Spending More Time Together

This is the time to be with your loved one. As their health goes downhill, being with them is one of the more important things. If they have the energy, talk with them, but if they don’t, you can just sit with them. That way, they will know they are not alone. It’s okay to show your emotions, so don’t worry about trying to be strong. You can tell them you are sad, scared, or confused. Even though it might be uncomfortable, let them know they are loved and will be missed. This is the time to say what you feel you need to, so you don’t regret it later.

Don’t Forget to Care for Yourself

When you are grieving, you still need to care for your body. Make sure you are sleeping long enough, and ensure you are still eating. It is also important to do things that help you relax. Care for yourself emotionally as well. It might be an overwhelming time, especially since you might feel okay one day but enveloped by grief another. Look for someone who can support you through this time. Remember, self-care is just as important as offering care to your loved one.

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Moving Grief Outward

There is a model for dealing with any kind of stressful situation, including grief, that says you should put the person who is closest to the situation in the center and turn outwards for support. In other words, the person who has been diagnosed should be at the center of this circle. They can turn to close friends and family members for support, but those close friends and family members should not lean on them for support because that person has their hands full coping with a situation that is both physically and emotionally challenging. Instead, they should turn outward to other friends and family members and so on, in ever-widening circles.

Dealing with Finances

Even for those who have insurance, cancer treatment can be costly. Some may also want extra money to do things they might have been putting off, such as taking a trip. This is a good time to look over finances and figure out how money can be moved around and whether there are investments or other assets that can be cashed in. If the person has a life insurance policy and there are not dependents who will need the money from it, they may want to consider a viatical settlement. This is an arrangement in which someone with a life expectancy of just a couple of years can get cash for a life insurance policy. It may help to review a guide that can help you and your family plan for what is next whatever you decide to do.

End of Life Preparation

A person facing a terminal illness should make sure their will, beneficiary designations and other estate planning documents are updated, but they may also want to think about other end of life care considerations. For example, they may want to talk to their family and doctor about what kind of life extending treatment they do and don’t want. They may also want to find out what kind of options might be available for hospice and other types of care.

Finding Your Center

Attending to practical considerations is important, but people also need to take care of their emotional wellbeing. Some people, whether they are the ones with cancer or a loved one has it, might benefit from working with a therapist or talking to a leader in their religious community. Others may find journaling or a hobby like gardening helpful. They should also keep in mind that information about survival rates from cancer are statistics about other people in the past. This should not be used to give false hope but to understand that while they are useful, any one individual’s experience may be a much longer or shorter survival time compared to the average or median.

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One of the reasons why it is popular is because of its ability to manage and treat various debilitating conditions such as arthritis, anxiety, and depression to mention but a few. This is made possible by its numerous medicinal values brought about by its contents. 

The wide variety of cannabinoids that form a major part of its contents are particularly of great importance. You can checkout Cheefbotanicals CBD oil for more information on this. Well, to reap all the benefits of the oil you have to pick the right one for you. Here are some tips to help you with that.

• Do your research

This is important, especially, if it is your first time buying it. You have to equip yourself with all the necessary details that will enable you to make a well-informed decision. 

For instance, it is important to read the online reviews written by previous customers. It will give you an insight on what to expect if you decide to buy a certain brand. 

Although it is good to get information from several sources for comparison purposes, make sure you only do so from credible sources that can be trusted. Some pay people to write favorable reviews to boost their sales hence can’t be relied on.

Go for reputable brands that have been in existence for a long time and have proven their worth.

• Is it completely safe?

While these products are generally considered safe for consumption, some can have adverse side-effects if used for a long time. For example, the ones produced using chemical solvents usually contain small quantities of the additives that can accumulate with time due to extended use of the oil.

They then become toxic and can cause health issues such as organ damage and cancer. Thus, these are usually meant for short-term use only. Others produced using clean methods such the Co2 technique produce pure organic oils that can be used regularly for a long time without any complications. Therefore, it is important that you consider the means of production.

Other than that, make sure that the product has undergone a safety study conducted by an accredited third-party institution. Such studies are meant to ensure that the commodity is safe for consumption by humans before it can be released to the general public. It is carried out by an independent body to eliminate biases. 

Also, the results should be backed-up by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). This is a documented report of the results of lab analysis carried out on the product. It shows important details such as the composition in terms of ingredients and their percentage. 

This allows you to know exactly how much CBD you will be consuming and also determine if the ingredients are safe for you. It helps you stay away from substances that you are allergic to. Thus, you should make sure that the merchandise has all these vital information clearly stated. See this link to read on how safe the oil is https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1 

• Isolate or Full-Spectrum?

The oils can be classified as either isolate or full-spectrum. The former contains only specific cannabinoids while the latter has all the cannabinoids extracted from the plant. 

Most people prefer the full-spectrum since it can carter to several different uses without you having to buy a different one each time. It can be considered as a general-purpose health product.

The isolates are only suitable for particular well-defined uses hence they don’t cover a wide range of needs. They are also less expensive.

• Only buy from legitimate vendors

In comparison to mainstream medication, CBD market is poorly regulated. Apart from the law requirement that they should contain a maximum of 0.03% THC levels, one can buy the oil freely without requiring a doctor’s prescription.

This low level or regulation makes it easy for counterfeit commodities to infiltrate the market. These are ineffective and will not only waste your money, but they can also cause serious health complications.

Therefore, you should make sure that the vendor is licensed to sell health products and that their goods are legal. If any mishaps arise, they can be held accountable according to the law.

• Consult your doctor

In such matters it is always important to consult your physician before you buy and start using the goods. They are well-placed to advise you since they know your medical background. 

They can also tell you the best place where you can buy good products and help you with devising a suitable dosage chart for you.

At times there can be some mild side-effects associated with the oils. These include nausea, lack of appetite, and dizziness. If they don’t wear-off after a short while, then you should seek medical attention from your doctor to avoid further complications. Click here to read more.

Conclusion

It is always better to prevent diseases than to cure them. CBD oil is a product that can help you do both. It strengthens your immune system and also combats ailments that are already present. For you to benefit fully from it you must choose the right one. Make sure you buy safe products that have been tested and proven to be effective. Only do so from legitimate vendors that are registered by the government and are operating lawfully. Most importantly you should consult your physician first before you make the moves. This can save you from serious mistakes that might be life-threatening.

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Flooring

While the right flooring for you will ultimately depend on the disability. But a general rule of thumb when it comes to accessible floors is – smooth is good, soft is better, and avoid shag carpet at all costs. Look for slip-resistant, low-maintenance flooring which can be installed throughout the home. Both rubber or cork are examples of unconventional flooring which can actually help prevent injuries while.

Consistent flooring reduces the chance of accidents and falls, so avoid any flooring changes or variations in texture between rooms wherever possible. This means not using ceramic tile anywhere, especially in the bathroom where accidents are most common. You should also increase available floor space by removing potential hazards like rugs and mats.

Bathroom

Ensure the bathroom is accessible by removing barriers to all essential features of the room. That means providing enough space necessary for full movement as well as being able to reach all the bathroom products on shelves. All appropriate safety measures also need to be installed such as toilet frames, transfer benches, shower grab bars, and bathtub steps.

A new curbless walk-in shower can be installed which reduces the risk of falls by allowing wheelchair access. Alternatively, if you decide to keep the existing shower, the entry must be wide enough for a wheelchair to fit through so it can become a roll-in shower. Otherwise will have to be widened to suit.

Lounge

The lounge room and all other living areas should be open and spacious. So make sure there’s plenty of mobility room with enough space to move around, especially if using a wheelchair, power chair, or walker. All pieces of furniture must be sturdy, reliable, and strong, in case they’re needed for stabilising and support.

Stools, coffee tables, and other lower types of furniture are often challenging to navigate around. And because they’re so difficult to see, they can easily trip up walkers or get caught on wheelchairs. Power sockets should also be accessible for charging any connected devices and other technology, without the use of extension cords.

Stairs

Stairs in multi-story homes are often difficult for people with mobility issues, especially those needing assistance from a wheelchair or walker. Different types of mechanical or electric chair lifts are the most common options for dealing with stairs as they offer independence, comfort, and are easy to use. Installation of an external wheelchair ramp is another way to also simplify the process.

If they’re out of your price range, the ideal option may be to avoid using stairs altogether. moving from the first-floor bedroom into a downstairs bedroom. If a spare room, guest room, or office is available and can be easily converted into a bedroom, it can make it much easier to live in a multi-story house. This may require some amount of renovation, ultimately depending on the difference between the size and space of each room.

Bedroom

Speaking of bedrooms, this is often considered the most important room as it’s a private and personal space. There are electric beds available to help get out of bed or beds with rails designed to keep someone from rolling out of bed. Handrails or grab bars can also be installed in the wall behind and around the bed which can be used to help with steadying or sitting up in bed as well as getting in or getting out of bed.

The best option to help someone with a severe disability is a ceiling-mounted lift which simplifies bed procedures. As the ceiling lift needs to hold the full weight of a person, it must be permanently installed to the ceiling via a track system. Alternatively, there’s a portable floor lift option available for those unable to install a ceiling lift.

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Think Ahead With An Advanced Directive

There are three different types of advanced directives: living will, power of attorney, and a health care proxy. These are used to designate your wishes for medical and mental care if you’re not able to make those decisions yourself. For veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans has Form 10-0137, and it includes sections on wishes for any medical treatments (or refusal) and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. However, before choosing someone to make those decisions for you, it is advised that you have a conversation with them.

As a retired veteran, the VA will honor all kinds of advanced directives, but also allows veterans to complete their advanced directive form privately. However, the VA Form 10-0137 has more details, and combines both types of advanced directives into one. If you’re unfamiliar with the VA guidelines on advanced directives, the VA’s What You Should Know About Advanced Directives (Form 10-0137B) provides some useful insight into common questions like acceptance of advanced directives across state borders. Remember to submit a copy of your advanced directive to your healthcare provider and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for your records.

Check That Your Miltary Life Insurance Coverage Is Up To Date

Another thing to think about when planning for end-of-life care is the cost. For non-military Americans, the average out-of-pocket costs for end-of-life obligations is $11,618  in the last year of your life. While veterans have access to benefits like the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), there may still be gaps in the cost, particularly if you’re not up to date with your paperwork.

For instance, to establish eligibility for military funeral honors, you need to complete DD Form 214: Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty. It is also recommended that you consider planning for the financial implications of your retirement or health issues. The Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) provides up to $200,000 of coverage for veterans with service-connected injuries. While it can provide great relief for veterans and their families, it may sometimes not be enough. A Hero Loan or other alternative home financing can provide veteran loan options if you’re retired and want to own a home later in life.

Get Help With Writing Your Will

A stunning 60 percent of people do not have a will. However, in the unfortunate event of your death, having a will considerably simplifies the estate distribution process. If a military officer dies without a will and is unmarried, then his estate will be distributed according to state laws. Most states give the estate to their parents or are equally divided amongst siblings. If you are married with no kids, then the chances are that your estate will pass to your widow. Single veterans with children have their assets passed onto their children in an equal distribution. If your wishes for your estate do not align with your state laws, then you should spend time writing a will. For help writing your will as a veteran, organizations like The Soldiers Charity and The Writing Guild Foundation provide dedicated advice and a free will writing service.

Even if you are not ready to make these decisions yet, getting the conversation started with loved ones can make a difference. There will never feel like there’s a good time for the conversation; the important thing is that you have it.

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While no one can comprehend the pain you are going through, there are some things you can do to make the mourning process easier. But before we delve deeper into this, let’s see what it means by an unexpected death.

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Meaning of sudden or unexpected death

An unexpected death can happen via a medical event such as a stroke, blood clot in the lungs, fatal heart problem, acute aortic aneurysm, or even from COVID-19 related complications.

Other causes of unexpected death might be suicide or trauma such as work, car, sporting accidents, violent attacks, or natural disasters. Also, in some instances, where an individual has been terminally ill and getting long-term care, their demise may still happen in a manner that appears unexpected to their family.

Usually, people who have had their loved one die due to an unexpected death are challenged to deal with an array of emotions, which may be amplified by the randomness of the death. That is, everything around them changes suddenly, which challenges their emotional worlds.   

Grief reactions in the case of unexpected death

As we mentioned earlier, when coping with an unexpected loss of a loved one, you can experience physical and emotional symptoms. Some people experience the majority of these symptoms, while others may experience only a few. In other words, people will grieve differently.

Here are a few common physical symptoms of grief you may experience.

•  Crying
• Difficulty sleeping
• Stress
• Headaches
• Aches and pain
• Loss of appetite

Here are common symptoms of grief you are likely to experience:

• Feelings of isolation
• Feelings of detachment
• Guilt
• Worry or anxiety
• Anger
• Frustration
• Spiritual struggles or questions

If you lost a loved one suddenly, try doing this.

Here are some tips to help you get by with the unexpected loss of a loved one:

1. Allow the grieving process to take place

Grief and bereavement is a process. You cannot set a time limit for grieving. Instead, allow yourself to undergo the stages of grief as they crop up. In her book, “On Death and Trying,” Elisabeth Kubler-Ross highlighted the five stages of grief. Every stage is unique and may not be experienced in order. These stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.  

Also, a book by the name “Finding meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief” by David Kessler can be a great comfort in assisting you to appreciate that you are not alone. In it, he discusses how the death of his son due to an overdose led to depths of grief that he has never experienced before or known exists.  The book also offers several practical tools to help you recover.

1. Take care of yourself

While mourning, it is easy to overlook your physical needs. Never do that. Get enough sleep, rest, bathe, wear clean clothes, and eat well. Even if you have to request a few days off, exercise, keep up with yoga, or meditation. These basic things are usually critical when grieving.

1. Gather support

Although there may be instances when you wish to be left alone, it is crucial to identify a support group around you for those moments when you need company. Through a grief support group, you can share feelings and thoughts with those who have undergone a similar loss. Family and close friends can also be a source of emotional support and physical needs if required.

The loss of a loved one usually leaves a large gap in the survivors’ lives that can be, at least momentarily, be occupied by friends, family, or a support team.    

1. Seek professional help and counseling

If you are experiencing extreme physical and psychological symptoms of grief, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Rather than letting symptoms exacerbate or develop into a mental health issue, consult a counselor, therapist, or psychologist. Similarly, if your loved one has died a wrongful death, it may be worth looking into legal support and advice to ensure the tragedy doesn’t spiral into financial misfortunes.

They are experts in such matters and can assist you in working through the feelings and emotions you are dealing with.   

1. Get back into regular routines

After some time, you need to get back into your everyday routine. It may sound harsh; however, getting back to life can help ease your grief. There comes a time when you have to accept the reality of things – no matter how unpleasant they are. By practicing acceptance and returning to your daily routine, you will feel more peaceful and “normal.”

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The fundamental lesson within

Here is the truth of things: when your loved one passes away unexpectedly, you are brought to the realization that tomorrow is never promised. This awareness can always help you remember what is vital in life, so you don’t lose sight of those things, which are significant to you.  

It is ironic, but one event of unexpected death is all that it takes to appreciate life more.  But all said and done, grieving is part of life, and every new day offers another step towards healing.    

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This one is fairly easy.

 The UK has a very relaxed attitude to the scattering of ashes. In general, it’s ok as long as you don’t pollute the environment and it’s not on private land, without permission.

So that means no plastic trinkets or mementos can be added to the ashes, and if you are using an urn for a memorial on the water, the urn should be biodegradable.

There are some areas along the coast of the north sea where it’s not permitted (under EU rules, which may change when the UK leaves).

It’s generally considered that as long as you are respectful of the environment and how other people might use the space, then the scattering of ashes is widely regarded as ok.

It’s also worth considering that if the land is private and you have the landowner’s permission, you may not be able to visit again later.

Fireworks, space flights, tattoos and jewellery… people’s ashes have been memorialised in a host of creative ways.

But What if People Don’t Agree on What Should be Done with the Ashes?

It’s not uncommon to find families disagreeing on the way a deceased loved one should be memorialised. It can be as simple as not seeing-eye-to-eye to as complicated as a long court case.

It’s estimated that around 25% of

And as families become blended, with children, step-children and parents remarrying, the potential for disagreement is much increased.

It’s why leaving a will is important and suggested in some funeral plans.

When a person is cremated the crematorium releases the ashes to a nominated person, or the person who made the application for the cremation, but that person is not, in law, considered the legal owner.

Where instructions are left the law does give the executor the legal right to decide the deceased’s funeral arrangements. If there is no will, the intestacy rules apply which ranks family members in the following order:

•  the surviving spouse or civil partner
•  the deceased’s children,
• the deceased’s parents
• the deceased’s siblings

The deceased’s cohabiting partner or children thereof are excluded.

If a family can’t agree the courts can be called on to decide taking into account:

•  the wishes of the deceased
• the reasonable wishes of the friends and family
•  the location where the deceased was the most closely connected

The overruling consideration though is dealing with the body in a quick and dignified way. The court will not decide to split the ashes to meet the wishes of arguing parties in a court case.

When you Apply for Cremation

When you apply for a cremation you will be asked about your requirements for the ashes. The crematorium may have a place for the ashes to be laid to rest, or you or a nominated person can collect the ashes (the nominated person can be a funeral director). The options should be discussed with you.

But you don’t have to decide at that point. You can request the crematorium hold on to the ashes, but you will be asked for a future date for a decision to be made by. There may be a charge for this.

And if you change your mind (or your address) you should let the crematorium know in writing.

Crematoria have their own regulations and if you give no instruction to the crematorium or do not collect the ashes the cremation authority becomes responsible for interring or scattering the ashes (they must make reasonable attempts to get in touch with you and give you 14 days’ notice of the plan). If you object you can give new written instructions, but the cremation authority would need to receive them before the 14-day notice period ends.

Finally

In law a body is not property and cannot be owned, and it extends to the ashes. However, the law does give the legal right of possession of the ashes to the executor or highest ranked next of kin (where a will has not been made). This extends to the ashes.

The executor or highest ranked family relative can insist on having the ashes returned to them whether they applied for cremation or not.

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