Advance planning of your funeral will give you peace
of mind, secure costs, reflect your expressed wishes and relieve your family
of unnecessary concern.
Providing Peace Of Mind
Many families have expressed a deep sense of peace after having spent time advance planning their final wishes with us. By doing so, they contribute to the comfort and protection of their family in ways that are impossible to provide without advance planning.
Securing Funeral Costs
By advance planning and funding services with Cochran Funeral Home, we are able to guarantee the cost of our professional services and merchandise. Basically, you will pay for today’s cost of the funeral arrangements, and in years to come, your family will not be responsible for any increase in our service charges.
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Reflect Your Expressed Wishes
During the advance planning process, you will inform us of your exact wishes. You will have the opportunity to plan the funeral that most celebrates your life. Everything may be planned in advance, from the location of services to what style of guest book you would like; or if you prefer, you can plan more generally and allow your family to make minor final decisions.
Relieve Your Loved Ones Of Unnecessary Concern
When a family has lost a loved one, there are many emotions. Not only is it very difficult during this time to select a funeral home, but even more strenuous on a family to come in and plan an entire funeral during the grieving process. You will be protecting your family from confusion and conflicts that often accompany the loss of a loved one.
Life Insurance Protection
Almost every family provider feels obligated to have adequate life insurance. Speak with any knowledgeable life insurance agent, and he will advise you on the types and coverage available. Please put your policies in a safe place, and notify your beneficiaries of where they are located. It is also important to speak to your attorney or banker, and set up a special fund to handle the transitional stage between the time of death, and the time the insurance is paid. There are many times that your bank accounts and safe deposit boxes will be "frozen" until your estate is settled.
More Advanced Planning Tips:
Prepare a Will
Everyone should have a will, regardless of the size of your estate. Make an appointment with your attorney, and have him prepare a will for you. Once you have your will prepared, be aware that every few years, you and your attorney should get together to make sure your will is up to date. A properly prepared will enables you to direct the administration of your affairs after death. Should you die in testate (without a will), your property and holdings will be distributed according to your state laws. An administrator will be appointed by a court, and that person may not handle things as you had planned.
Appoint an Executor
One of the most important concerns when drawing your will is to name your executor. It is that persons responsibility to see that the provisions of your will are carried out. Your executor should be someone with experience and a "seasoned" judgment to make the right decisions.
Reduce your Estate Taxes
A competent attorney or estate planner can advise you on specific methods of reducing your estate taxes. These taxes can be a great burden on your survivors, and they will appreciate your forethought on careful planning. These plans can prevent your beneficiaries from having to hastily sell the family home or business or other primary assets at an unfavorable time. Depending on your situation, you may find it to your advantage to adopt other legal forms of ownership, other then joint tenancy. Again, your attorney will be of great assistance in these matters.
Set up a Trust Fund
Perhaps you are among those who would benefit from placing part of your estate in a trust fund. Most bankers will be glad to give you advice on setting up a trust. Tax laws are constantly changing in regards to trust, so consult your attorney or tax advisor before making any final decisions.
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