Eco-consciousness in burials – it’s on the rise according to a recent New York Times blog, but will it catch on in San Diego? A green or natural burial means using a biodegradable box and saying no to chemical embalming and concrete grave lining (which can also save a lot of money). By preparing burial instructions you can make certain your wishes for a greener resting place are followed. Even if you’re not interested in a green burial, it’s important to plan for burial plot and funeral expenses and help prevent burial disagreements. In these instructions, you’ll decide between cremation and burial, and outline funeral and ceremony wishes. You’ll save your family from having to guess or argue over what you would have wanted. On this point, you may remember the drawn out dispute over James Brown’s estate and final resting place, who died on December 25, 2006 and wasn’t buried until March, 2007, as reported by the Washington Post.
Besides preventing disputes, you can cut costs by shopping around as you plan out burial and funeral wishes. Just as with the rest of an estate plan (i.e. your will and living trust), preparing burial instructions is an important step toward minimizing conflict and helping to ensure your plans are carried out. For help in meeting these goals, contact our experienced will and trust attorneys at San Diego Law Firm, (619) 794-0243.
