What is a funeral directive and why should I have one?

A funeral directive is a plan that lets you decide how you want your own funeral and burial handled after you pass away. It is an important part of estate planning law in Maryland and other states. Having a funeral directive makes sure that your wishes are followed. It eliminates guesswork and disagreement among family and friends. Without it, those making decisions may be left to their own tastes, which may not align with your own wishes. In Maryland, you can spell out detailed instructions regarding the funeral service, the handling of your remains, and more. You can provide details such as the desired casket, the type of service you want, who should be notified, and where you want the service to be held. You can also arrange for the style and location of final disposition, including burial or cremation. You can also name someone to handle your funeral and burial arrangements. This allows you to have a trusted person make sure that your wishes are followed. Finally, you can determine who will be responsible for paying for the funeral costs. In short, a funeral directive helps you plan and control how you want your life and death to be remembered. It is an important part of estate planning in Maryland and one that should be considered.

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