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Can My Family Change My Funeral Plan After I Die and Keep the Change?

October 11, 2024

Roughly 50% of funerals that take place today are planned and paid for in advance by the person who died. The vast majority of these plans are carried out as intended. They are deeply appreciated by family members who find them helpful beyond measure at a very difficult time. However, funeral plans made in advance are not automatically legally binding.

There are some good reasons for families to make minor adjustments to a loved one’s funeral plan. Situations change. For example, a parent may have purchased a very modest casket that they felt was “good enough” but perhaps the children don’t feel the same about that casket. Maybe they want to do better. Or maybe a person planned for a large group luncheon but lived well past their circle of friends and family. The luncheon for 200 becomes a luncheon for 50. A body could be lost at sea, eliminating the need for a casket and vault. The point is there are good reasons why funeral plans might need to be flexible.

There are also some nefarious reasons. Some families have bad actors. Or sometimes people who plan do so because they want what they want, and they know their family will not do what they want. When families do not share the same faith, reverence for funeral ritual, or when they do not love the one the person who died loved, things can get complicated. There are legal remedies.

If you are planning your funeral in advance and you have any concern about your plan being carried out as you intend, speak up. Ask the funeral professional helping with your plan to provide any additional forms required by your state to assure your Advance Funeral Plan is carried out as you anticipate. Your funeral director can help you take the extra step needed to make your funeral plan legally binding.

www.billowfuneralhomes.com

Since 1875, The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory has been providing world-class care to the families of northeastern Ohio. Family-owned and operated, Billow’s has two full-service facilities in Fairlawn and Cuyahoga Falls as well as a privately owned crematory. The team at Billow’s is passionate about providing unmatched care for both families and their loved ones. For more information, visit billowfuneralhomes.com.

What Are Burial Vaults and Grave Liners and Why Do I Have to Buy Them?

February 4, 2025
When saying goodbye to someone you love, you have a multitude of decisions to make. Some you might be prepared for, while other questions are new to you. One topic that many people are unfamiliar with is the concept of burial vaults and grave liners, which you may have to have in your loved one’s final resting place.

Food and Funerals: The Comfort of Sharing a Meal

February 4, 2025
Food not only nourishes the body but also comforts the soul, making it a significant part of funeral traditions. Offering food signifies care and supports the healing journey during such tough times.

Understanding Funeral Costs: A Guide to Planning with Care

January 8, 2025
When the time comes to think about funeral arrangements, one of the first questions many of us have is, "How much will it cost?" It’s natural to look for a straightforward answer during such an emotionally charged time. However, much like finding the perfect car, the cost of a funeral varies widely depending on personal choices and specific needs.

What Is the Purpose of Embalming?

January 8, 2025
Embalming can be a controversial topic. Some people are opposed to it, whether due to personal or religious reasons, but for others, embalming is an important part of starting their grief journey and getting a chance to say goodbye to the person they love.

Dressing for a Funeral: Comfort, Respect, and What to Wear

January 8, 2025
Attending a funeral is one of those things that makes everyone pause, not just because of the emotional weight, but also the big question: "What do I wear?" Let’s discuss.

Embracing Family in Funeral Planning

January 8, 2025
When it comes time to say goodbye to a loved one, the focus of the funeral often naturally falls on the family. It's the people who loved and knew the deceased best—spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, and even coworkers—who come together to remember and honor their life.

When Someone Dies, Someone Else Feels Lonely

December 3, 2024
The loneliness that accompanies the death of someone we care about is complex and individual. For those who, for many years, woke every morning alongside a husband or wife, it is strange to open your eyes and realize you’re alone. In the early days of grief, the void that is left when a life partner dies can feel like a black hole with no way out.

I’m Lonely: When is Too Soon to Start Dating?

November 12, 2024
The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Queen Victoria famously mourned Prince Albert by wearing black for the remainder of her life, forty years. The fictional character Scarlet O’Hara in the novel Gone With the Wind scandalized her peers by dancing with a bachelor at a charity event while “still in black.”

After the Death of a Spouse: 10 Things to Do BEFORE You Start Dating

November 12, 2024
Slow down and commit to investing some time in getting ready to date. A little preparation work will help you protect your safety, have a more pleasurable dating experience, and possibly avoid heartbreak.

Make Sure the Tough Days Are Covered

November 12, 2024
Supporting a friend who is grieving requires staying power. In the first few weeks and days following the funeral, our thoughts are full of our friend. But often, as the weeks become months, our friend’s need is less acute, and our own routine calls us. We forget.
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