We must make plans for life after death

We must make plans for life after death
Date: 14 April 2009
By Fiona McDonald
NOBODY likes to think about death, and the practicalities, such as funeral planning, tend not to be high on anyone's agenda. Sadly, Jade Goody and Wendy Richard were forced into thinking about and planning their own funerals, but forward thinking is something that we should all consider.
Death brings with it a raft of emotions and having a written record of a family member's funeral wishes can provide comfort at an extremely difficult time.

If something happened to any of us today, could we say that our family know our wishes? Without written details, such as those recorded in your will, where you can detail your wishes for the distribution of your estate as well as any funeral wishes, there is the real potential that family members could feel lost, and argue about what it was that you wanted.

There are a number of things to think about, including whether you wish to be buried or cremated? If buried, do you have a family plot? Often couples have family plots on either side of the family but wish to be buried together. Whereas, if a body is cremated, decisions need to be made about the ashes and whether to have them interred or scattered.

Further consideration should also be given to the actual funeral service itself. Would you prefer a religious service, do you want anyone in particular to speak and where would you like it to take place. You don't necessarily have to provide all the details but some record for your family can be extremely helpful.

You may like to think about your own values and whether you want your funeral to reflect these, such as an eco-friendly funeral or a day full of colour where no-one wears black.

Although undoubtedly a sad time, funerals should be personal and, if possible, a celebration of a person's life. We all have the opportunity to do something to make this time easier on those left behind. It's important and although it is ultimately for you, it's more for those left to grieve.

Fiona McDonald is an associate at law firm Pagan Osborne

Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.