Why do people pre-plan their funerals?
Making provisions for one's death should not be considered morbid or fatalistic. That's why wills are made, inheritances arranged, estates planned. It is no less appropriate to pre-arrange some or all of the details surrounding your death.

It is important to recognize that death often places unanticipated burdens on survivors. Without advance guidance, the surviving family spouse or children may not know the right or "expected" thing to do. Making arrangements in advance may lessen survivors' burdens at a difficult time and ensure that your wishes will be carried out.

At the same time, a pre-arranged funeral should not be forced upon anyone; it's always a matter of individual choice. Pre-arranging your funeral should be done with the same care and consideration that you used when writing your will, planning your wedding, or buying your home.

What common mistakes do people make when pre-planning?
The most common mistake that people make is failing to get the advice of a funeral professional. Many people are afraid to talk to a funeral professional because they are not comfortable talking about their own mortality. Friends, family, and other professionals are important sources of information, but as with most things, the best advice comes from those who work in their area of expertise every day. Failing to discuss their plans with their loved ones is another common mistake. As a rule, funeral planning should not exclude loved ones whether the planning is done in advance or at the time of death. Assisting in the funeral planning process helps loved ones come to terms with the realities of death in a healthy and natural manner. Many people assume that by planning ahead to skip the funeral process, it allows families to skip the grieving process. Nothing could be further from the truth. The purpose of the funeral, which can be as conventional or unconventional as you prefer, is to allow the survivors a time and place to grieve their loss.

Should I involve my family in the pre-arrangement process?
Yes, by all means. Consider the wishes and feelings of the family. Frequently an honest desire to spare survivors of the "painful" task of making funeral arrangements has a reverse impact because loved ones are removed from the process. Instead, permit loved one when possible to be active participants in the pre-arrangement process. However, do not force your family into any discomfort they may feel as a result of making pre-arrangements.

Whose needs do I consider when planning my funeral? My family's or mine?
Funerals are for the survivors. The funeral serves as on-going testimony that a life has been lived. It serves as a last act of recognition, honor, respect, and reunion of heartfelt memories. It is also a gathering of social significance. Publicly, love is both expressed and received. The funeral serves the survivors emotional needs; expressing grief is one of those needs. The advantage of involving loved ones in pre-arranging also brings the formerly "taboo" subject of death into the open. Planning ahead with family helps ensure that the funeral will be meaningful to the participants, while still reflecting your individual preferences.

Will my pre-arrangements be followed?
When possible, yes. However, pre-arranging does not absolutely guarantee that all arrangements will in fact be carried out as planned. There is no advance way of knowing exactly when, where, how, and under what circumstances death will come, or what services or merchandise will be available in the future. These unknown factors can alter original plans. Still, pre-arranging a funeral is a sound tentative plan that will be carried out to the fullest extent possible as allowed by law. Minnesota law states clearly that you have the right to control your own final disposition, pursuant to MN Statute 149A.80.

What happens if the merchandise that I pre-paid is not available at the time of my death?
State law (MN Statute 149A.97 (11)) says the funeral provider must provide goods and services similar in style and at least equal in quality. The person responsible for arranging the funeral has the right to choose the goods or services to be substituted.

Do funeral directors charge for making pre-arrangements?
No. Minnesota Law says that 100% of the pre-arrangement funds must be placed into trust. No finance charges are allowed on pre-need arrangements either.

What is the difference between a Revocable and an Irrevocable pre-arrangement?
The revocability of your plan refers to the pre-funding of your funeral. A revocable plan allows you to un-fund your pre-arrangement at any time and spend the money as you wish. If your revocable pre-arrangement was funded with a bank trust, your principal plus all interest will be refunded to you. If your revocable pre-arrangement was funded with an insurance policy or annuity, the cash surrender value, less surrender charges, will be returned to you.

Most people choose to make their pre-funding irrevocable because they want to do what they can to ensure that the money will be there to pay for their funeral in the future. Irrevocable funds cannot be withdrawn for any reason prior to the death of the person for whom the pre-arrangement was made.

Whom do I contact?
Advice of a funeral professional is absolutely essential. No one else is equipped, by experience and training, to give you a thorough understanding of all facets of pre-arranging. A funeral professional is well versed in all types of funerals, and is knowledgeable about the laws regarding funerals and final disposition, trusts, insurance and Medical Assistance pre-funding rules.

Irrevocability protects your funds from bankruptcy, lawsuits, and unscrupulous individuals, powers of attorney, or conservators. Irrevocability also gives you the maximum exemption for your funds if you are applying for Medical Assistance or other forms of public assistance.

• Frequently Asked Questions about Pre-Funding.

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