Planning a funeral is often an emotional and stressful process for family members who have just lost a loved one. While many people focus on honoring their loved one’s wishes, it’s also essential to consider the costs and legal requirements associated with funeral planning.
If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one in Massachusetts or preplanning your own funeral, contact The Law Offices of Patricia Bloom-McDonald for assistance. Attorney Bloom-McDonald has been providing legal services for elder law, estate planning, and funeral planning to families in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since 2003.
Understanding the Basics of Funeral Planning
A lot more goes into funeral planning than you may immediately think. You must decide on the type of funeral, such as a traditional service, cremation service, or alternative ceremony. There are typically personal or cultural traditions you’ll want to stick to. And there are other key components to consider, including:
- Where will the funeral service be held?
- Will there be a visitation or viewing?
- Is the service open to anyone, or will it be private?
- Will there be a funeral procession?
- Are there going to be any special memorial options, such as if your loved one served in the military?
Legal Requirements for Funerals in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has many laws and regulations governing burials, cremations, and funerals. A funeral director and funeral planning lawyer can help you understand these laws and make sure your loved one receives the funeral they deserve while observing all relevant laws.
One of the most important laws for funeral planning covers the role of the deceased’s personal representative and the executor of the estate. These individuals are responsible for carrying out the deceased’s wishes regarding their body, funeral, and burial arrangements. Typically, an estate plan will include the type of funeral a person wants and lay out their specific wishes, such as where they want to be buried.
If the deceased doesn’t have an estate plan or didn’t include what they want done with their remains, Massachusetts law grants the following individuals the right to make decisions regarding the burial:
- The spouse of the deceased
- The adult children of the deceased
- The parents of the deceased
- The siblings of the deceased
- The guardian of the deceased
If family members disagree on how best to grant a loved one’s final wishes, an experienced funeral planning attorney can provide mediation and legal advice.
Budgeting and Financial Considerations for Funeral Costs
When planning a funeral in Massachusetts, it’s essential to consider the various costs, including cremation or a casket, flowers, service fees, and other expenses. According to data collected by Funeralocity, the average costs of funerals in MA are:
- Traditional Full-Service Burial – $9,545
- Full-Service Cremation – $7,109
- Direct Burial – $5,535
- Direct Cremation – $2,720
While the type of funeral often depends on the wishes of the deceased and their family, the price can vary depending on other factors. For example, the cost of the chosen casket or urn can significantly alter the price of a burial or cremation.
Some ways to reduce costs when planning a funeral are:
- Preplanning the funeral to receive lower prices on services and arrangements by paying for them ahead of time
- Choosing less expensive options, such as foregoing an urn for cremated remains and burying or spreading the ashes instead
- Seeking financial assistance programs for funeral costs, including checking to see if you qualify for up to $1,100 from the state to be paid to the funeral establishment
Making Personal and Practical Funeral Decisions
During funeral planning, it’s vital to consider the wishes of the deceased and other family members. Funerals serve two primary purposes: to grant a loved one’s final wishes by providing them with the send-off they want and to give grieving family members an outlet for celebrating their loved one. Merging these two purposes is crucial for any funeral.
Whether you’re planning a funeral for a loved one who recently passed or are preplanning your own funeral, it’s important to discuss your plans with others so you can receive feedback and make adjustments. For example, other family members may have input on speakers, music, and religious readings for the funeral.
Another way to personalize a funeral is by honoring the deceased’s legacy in unique ways. If your loved one is passionate about the environment, there are various eco-friendly funeral options. Or if your loved one had a particular hobby they were known for, you could incorporate this into the funeral.
Beyond personalization choices, you should consider practical choices when planning a funeral. This includes things like selecting the right funeral home, synagogue, mosque, church, or other venue. It’s important to research online reviews, tour locations, and compare services provided by different funeral directors and organizations.
Tips for Preplanning Your Funeral
Preplanning your funeral is a great way to make sure it goes exactly the way you want. You can make all the arrangements before your death and even pay for it ahead of time so your loved ones don’t have to worry about the added stress of figuring out how to pay for a funeral while they’re grieving.
Some of the main benefits of preplanning a funeral are:
- Securing funeral arrangements at lower prices
- Clearly communicating your preferences regarding the service and burial or cremation
- Avoiding conflict between family members
- Providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones
- Exploring funeral payment options
Contact Our Westport, MA, Funeral Planning Attorneys
If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one or yourself in Massachusetts, contact The Law Offices of Patricia Bloom-McDonald to speak with an experienced estate and funeral planning attorney. We’ll sit down with you to go over your funeral needs and wants and help you develop a plan for achieving them. Our firm can also provide legal advice and services, including helping you acquire a death certificate and representing you in Will disputes.
Located in Westport, The Law Offices of Patricia Bloom-McDonald proudly serves clients across Massachusetts, including all of Bristol and Norfolk Counties, Plymouth, and the southern coast. Specific areas of service include New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, Acushnet, Taunton, Dighton, Berkley, Swansea, Somerset, Seekonk, Fairhaven, Marion, Raynham, Easton, Mansfield, Attleboro, North Attleborough, Rehoboth, Lakeville, Bridgewater, Rochester, Norton, Assonet, Stoughton, Canton, Sharon, West Bridgewater, Brockton, Whitman, Maynard, Quincy, and Cape Cod. If you cannot come to us, we will come to your home, office, or a convenient location of your choosing. The initial consultation is complimentary.