Share:

When someone you love passes away suddenly, it can be challenging to make funeral planning decisions if they didn’t talk with anyone about end-of-life wishes. Fortunately, funeral homes can step in to help families with the process. Taking the stress out of funeral planning allows mourners to reflect on the life they’ve lost. Here are a few things you should do if your loved one doesn’t leave funeral instructions. 

Understanding Funeral Planning

Deciding on Funeral Options 

Funeral planning requires lots of decisions, including the date and time of the service in addition to the location. Families need to decide about interment, whether burial or cremation, eulogies, and final resting place. Before concluding arrangements, think carefully about the kind of life the person led, what they liked, and how a service can reflect their personality.

For instance, if they were an avid photographer who loved nature, you could display some of their favorite photos. If you opt for cremation, you allow people to spread ashes in locations of significance to your loved one. 

Who Should Make Funeral Decisions?

funeral planningAlthough you may have firm ideas about how a funeral should unfold, not everyone is legally entitled to make funeral planning decisions. When a person dies suddenly without a will, decisions fall on the next of kin—on a spouse or domestic partner first, children next, and parents after that. Siblings, authorized guardians, and grandchildren are next in line, followed by nieces, nephews, and other distant relatives. 

 

When you’re faced with making funeral arrangements for someone who didn’t leave directions behind, turn to Middendorf Funeral Home. In addition to answering questions about funeral planning, their trusted teams of professionals will also help grieving families in Northern Kentucky with writing obituaries, notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA), and securing death certificates. To find out more about how they’ll help your family, visit their website, or give their office a call at (859) 341-7800.

tracking