A Key Part of Your Estate Planning Starts Here

Secure your legacy with a plan that supports and protects your loved ones, even beyond estate matters.

Why Make Funeral Services Part of Your Plans?

Planning your estate and legacy may feel overwhelming, but taking these important steps now can provide lasting peace of mind for you and your family. By preparing ahead, you can spare your loved ones unnecessary time, expense, and stress when the time comes to arrange your services. Here are five practical ways to make things easier for your heirs—and why integrating funeral planning is an essential part of the process.

Keep Documents Updated

Having a will or living trust is essential, but it’s only part of the equation. These documents must be reviewed and updated regularly, especially as your life circumstances evolve. Many people overlook the importance of updating beneficiaries for life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank or investment accounts. These assets are distributed according to the beneficiary designations on file, regardless of what is outlined in a will or living trust. Regular updates ensure your wishes are honored.

Likewise, this relates to funeral planning because your preferences for a funeral trust or burial arrangements should be clearly documented and periodically reviewed. Assign a trusted individual as the beneficiary or trustee of your funeral trust to ensure your choices—whether it’s selecting a casket, property, or service arrangements—are carried out as planned.

Address Digital Assets

Many people have digital assets, such as email accounts and online photo storage, that could be lost to their heirs without proper planning. For example, if you store important documents like Hebrew names, family records, or precious family photos on a Google Drive but fail to set up a Google inactive account profile, it could become difficult—or even impossible—for your heirs to access these vital documents after your passing. Proper provisions ensure these cherished assets and essential records are preserved.

Similarly, this applies to your funeral service, as digital records often include essential funeral-related details, such as prepaid funeral accounts, contracts, or personal preferences like music, readings, or rabbinic officiants. Make sure these are stored securely and shared with a trusted executor or family member who knows how to access them.

It’s important to act now to secure your plans with Mount Sinai, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones. By reaching out to a Mount Sinai advisor today, you’ll gain the benefit of having all your information safely stored with us. This means your documents will be secure, accessible, and ready for your family when they need them most. And should you need to make updates in the future, you can easily return to us at any time to adjust your plans. Let us help you rest easy, knowing everything is in place and in trusted hands.

Assign Personal Property in advance

Many people assume their heirs will sort out how to divide personal property on their own, but this can often lead to disagreements and conflicts. To avoid this, create a personal property list, keep it up-to-date, and store it with your estate documents. Be sure to include details about where each item is located to make the process easier for your loved ones.

The same principle applies to funeral planning. Deciding in advance on specific funeral details—such as burial preferences, choice of cemetery, or the design of a tablet—can prevent family disputes. Clearly documenting these decisions ensures your wishes are honored and spares your loved ones from having to make difficult choices during an emotionally charged time.

Leave Good Notes

Estate planning experts recommend creating a folder with important information for your heirs. This should include the names, contact details, and locations of accounts, as well as the names and contact information for your attorney, accountant, and financial advisor. This step is especially crucial as many bills are now paid online, leaving no paper trail to guide your heirs. Additionally, be sure to inform your heirs where your estate planning documents are stored. Avoid leaving unnecessary documents for your heirs, as it can quickly become overwhelming during an already challenging time. A well-organized folder ensures your loved ones have access to what they need without added stress.

Incorporate funeral planning into this folder by including details such as your funeral preferences, cemetery deed, and funeral trust information. Notes on specific wishes, like preferred music, flowers, or whether you’d like donations made in your memory, can guide your loved ones and alleviate much of the burden of decision-making.

Strive for conflict-avoidance

Parents sometimes create conflict by naming one child over another as executor, trustee, or both. While this may be appropriate in certain circumstances, it often leads to sibling rivalry. To avoid such issues, it’s generally better to consider naming a neutral relative, family friend, or other trusted individual. If no suitable person is available, parents might explore hiring a trust company or a private professional fiduciary. These are vetted and licensed professionals who can act as trustees or executors, ensuring impartiality and reducing potential family conflicts.

This advice also applies to funeral planning. Disagreements often arise among siblings over funeral arrangements, such as who should speak, the type of service to hold, or whether to bury or cremate. Assigning one person as the executor of your funeral plans, and documenting those plans in advance, can help avoid conflicts and ensure your wishes are respected.