Record Your Wishes

There are many benefits to end-of-life planning. Here are the top ten reasons why you should consider making your funeral arrangements ahead of time:

It means there will be fewer opportunities for argument and indecision about your funeral arrangements among family members after you're gone.
Your survivors will never have to worry about doing the wrong thing when finalizing your funeral arrangements. You will have told them exactly what you want.
No mistakes and no oversights. After you're gone, everything will be done your way.
You have peace-of-mind now knowing that we will follow through with your wishes.
After your death, no one can make any decisions you wouldn't want.
Funeral pre-planning is the responsible thing to do. It removes the burden from family members.
You can make complex decisions ahead of time when you have the time to think things through.
Funeral pre-planning can involve pre-payment. This will save your family money and avoid any financial burdens.
Funeral pre-planning involves an awareness of the reality of death.
You are almost guaranteed to get what you want.

Get it Done... and Then Relax

End-of-life planning makes sense. Call us today to learn how we can help or get started now with our online pre-planning tool, Pre-Arrange Online.

Advance Directives

We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of living responsibly, which involves preparing for the realities of life. While we believe making the decisions involved in funeral pre-planning is one reflection of a responsible mindset, we also know the critical importance of completing an advance directive.

What is an Advance Directive?

Sometimes called advance care directives, these document ensure that your wishes will be carried out in the future.

Defined as "a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment," advance directives, when properly signed and witnessed, will provide guidance for medical and health care decisions in the event the individual becomes incompetent and can no longer make such decisions.

Other Things to Know About Advance Directives

Advance directives are legal throughout the United States.
Governing laws vary so be sure to obtain an advance directive that complies with your state's laws.
You do not need an attorney to complete an advance directive.
If you reside in more than one state, you should complete an advance directive for each state where you spend a significant amount of time.
There are no time limitations on advance directives. A signed advance directive remains in force until a new one is completed.
Periodically review your advance directive to make sure it still reflects your desires. If it doesn't, don't try to amend it; simply complete a new one.
Paramedics and emergency medical technicians cannot recognize or honor a living will or medical power of attorney. They are obligated to do their best to stabilize the patient and get them to the hospital. When you are in the care of hospital personnel, your advance directive becomes valid.

What's Involved in Preparing an Advance Directive?

It requires thoughtful introspection and conversation with family members. The American Bar Association describes the process this way: "Good advance planning for health care decisions is, in reality, a continuing conversation about values, priorities, the meaning of one's life, and quality of life."

There are many resources available online to assist and guide you in writing your Advance Directive.

Where to Obtain an Advance Directive Form

It's fairly easy to get a copy of the advance care directive form for your state. Your local hospital is a reliable source, as federal law requires every hospital to not only provide information about advance directives to people in their service area, they are also required to share valuable information about the related laws in your state. Contact your local hospital to learn more. Your family physician may also have advance directive forms available for patients.

You will need to have the advance directive witnessed and notarized. If you do not have access to a notary, you can find one using either of the following websites:

Once your advance directive is completed, signed, witnessed, and notarized, you may wish to upload a copy to your state's advance directive registry. This service allows healthcare providers quick access to your advance directive should they need it. Locate the advance directive registry for your state online or visit the website for the U.S. Living Will Registry.