Preplanning Checklist

Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming to your surviving family and friends, but pre-planning your funeral service can help them better deal with the stress of losing someone.

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Choose Who You Want to be in Charge

In Ohio, as well as most other states, final arrangements following death are required to be made by the legal next of kin. For individuals without a next of kin, or for those who wish to designate another party to oversee funeral arrangements, it is possible to appoint a representative. An Appointment of Representative form serves as a legally binding document authorizing your chosen individual(s) to execute prearranged or immediate decisions regarding your final arrangements upon death. We have Appointment of Representative forms at our funeral home, and they are free of charge. This process is necessary because wills are not ordinarily probated until several weeks after death and prearrangements made with a funeral home may be contested by the next of kin

Your family and friends want to take part in the process of fulfilling your final wishes, they only need instructions on what they need to do.
Make sure someone, preferably your executor, has a copy of the will.
Give a family member or chosen friend a list of important account information that will need to be contacted and handled following your death. Also make sure someone knows your final wishes for your desired service.
Designate someone to be your power of attorney.
Have someone prepared to cancel basic utility services and subscriptions.

Choose the Type of Service You Want

Pre-planning your funeral service can not only ease the burden on your loved ones, but it helps ensure your final wishes are honored. While some families struggle with making those final decisions after losing someone, your family won’t have to worry with making those hard choices.

Choose what funeral home and director you would like to use to handle your service.
Decide what type of service you want (traditional, cremation, donation, etc…).
If you choose a traditional service with burial, decide where you want to be buried.
Meet with the funeral director and look at your options for caskets and urns.
If you decide you want to be buried, choose clothing options.
Look at options for a location to hold your service (funeral home, religious facility, sentimental building, graveside).
What type of flowers do you want? Do you want flowers, or would you rather donations be given to a particular charity or a charity of one’s choice?
Who will be a part of your service? You should decide on pallbearers and even ask them personally. You should also decide who you would like to officiate or participate in your service.
Choose which songs you would like played at your service.
Write an obituary or make notes about information you would like to be included in your obituary.

Choose To Pay In Advance

Making decisions about your funeral service in advance can benefit you and your survivors financially. If possible, pay for all expenses in advance, freeing your family from that financial burden. Insurance policies can be utilized to cover funeral expenses upon death; however, they do not secure current pricing for future services. In contrast, prearranged funds are held by a third party and accrue interest, helping to offset any increases in guaranteed funeral costs. When possible, pre pay for:

Cemetery services, burial plot
All funeral arrangements including casket, urn, flowers, transportation and specialized services

Additional Tasks to Complete

Appoint a Medical and Durable Power of Attorney
If you have assets, make a Will and give a copy to the executor/executrix
List important accounts and contact information to give to your executor/executrix, including banking accounts, utilities, subscriptions, life insurance, as well as other accounts you may have.