Many people these days have put a great deal of thought into their funeral plans, even pre-purchasing cemetery plots, and coffins. Sometimes, though, loved ones pass unexpectedly, or before they had a chance to make their wishes known. When that happens, it’s left to their loved ones to make the arrangements.

Who Makes the Funeral Plans When There Aren’t Any Instructions?

When someone passes without leaving written funeral instructions, the responsibility for making the arrangements falls to the next of kin, or the closest living blood relative. Legally, there is a hierarchy for determining the next of kin that begins with the person’s spouse, followed by their children, parents, siblings, guardian, grandparents, and so on, down to second cousins. If no family members are available or able to make the arrangements, some states will allow a close friend who is familiar with the deceased’s wishes to make decisions. Otherwise, the responsibility will fall to the state. 

What Needs to Be Decided?

The next of kin is in charge of making all of the decisions about how the deceased will rest. This includes determining whether there will be a burial or cremation, whether there will be a funeral or memorial service, which religious traditions will be followed and how, and where the service and burial will take place. If they opt for cremation, the next of kin will also determine who will maintain custody of the ashes, whether they will be scattered, and where. 

Because making funeral plans for someone who did not leave instructions is often fraught with emotion, it can often lead to conflict or challenges within the family. The most important thing is to keep the deceased and what they would have wanted at the forefront of the planning. This means putting personal preferences and feelings aside and laying them to rest in the way that most closely resembles what you think they would want. 

For help with funeral plans, whether you are pre-planning your burial or making arrangements for a loved one, turn to the experts at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, for help. These compassionate professionals will assist with all of your family's memorial needs, including planning funerals, cremations, and cremations. With several decades of experience, they offer help online or in-person. To speak with someone on their team, call (715) 423-5460 or visit their website to start the funeral planning process online.