Pre-Plan But Don't Pre-Pay for Your Funeral

The owners of California's oldest funeral firm caution against pre-paying for funerals, but they do advocate pre-planning as a family matter. The Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara Company, founded in 1850, is a Diamond Certified company. Owners Daniel and Richard O'Hara say that unless one is qualifying for benefits such as Medical or purchasing a new interment space, pre-paying for a funeral or memorial simply isn't necessary. Unchangeable prepaid instructions may deny family members meaningful involvement. The funeral director may interpret your choices rather than the family. Preplans are often inflexible and lack portability.

The O'Hara's recommend having an informed relative or close friend help make key decisions for an uncomplicated plan. Write a clear, concise and detailed explanation of your wishes, and then share it with your potential funeral director if you wish. Also check with your attorney about including appropriate terms or references in your will or Health Care Power of Attorney.