Personal Preference Laws for Body Disposition

In more than half the states, there is a statutory obligation for survivors to honor the written wishes of the deceased, to follow your personal preference. In a few states, your wishes may be over-turned in the case of cremation, however. Even if there is no personal preference law in your state (blank entry below), it is better to have your wishes in writing than not at all. Courts routinely support all but the most outrageous wishes.

Click "read more" below for a state-by-state breakdown of laws you can use to make sure your funeral wishes are carried out.

Attachments:

azadvdir2007.pdf	[AZ Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney]	77 Kb	12/31/1969
Ohio Body Disposition Agent Form	[ ]	26 Kb	12/31/1969
txdesigagent.pdf	[Texas Health and Safety Code]	51 Kb	12/31/1969
Wisconsin Designated Agent Form	[Wisconsin Designated Agent Form]	23 Kb	12/31/1969

NOTE: We're in the process of updating this page. More current information on changes to state law since Lisa Carlson's "Caring for the Dead" was published can be downloaded in .pdf format (see attachments below).

Those who have chosen to care for their own dead have found it therapeutic and loving. Having something physical to do takes away the sense of helplessness, and family involvement allows you to personalize the funeral experience.

Attachments:

caringupdates.pdf

[Caring for the Dead Updates]

159 Kb

12/31/1969

How to Start

No one is perfect, including funeral directors and cemeterians. We all make mistakes. If you are dissatisfied with your funeral or cemetery experience, try to settle your concerns with those involved first. That's how you would want to be treated, if it were your business.

Write down everything from the minute you feel you might have a complaint, to make sure you record details while they're fresh in your mind. If another person is with you and shares your concerns, ask that person to write down what happened, too. Sometimes that person will remember additional helpful information. Be sure to date all of your notes. Write down the names of everyone you deal with, even if it is just a first name or a description of what the person looked like. Keep a log of all phone conversations including who said what. If you are reading this some time after events occurred, stop and write down everything you remember right now.

Are You Wondering if the Funeral Home You Used Was an Ethical One?

It probably was — IF — you can answer "yes" to these ten questions:

• Did you receive a General Price List early in planning the funeral and before you made any decisions that would affect the price of the funeral?
• Did you receive a Casket Price List prior to picking out a casket?
• Was there a casket on display that cost less than $500?