GREEN BURIALS

GREEN BURIALS Green burials are a "new" practice based on methods used by some cultures for thousands of years. Green burial means that the body, which is not embalmed, is buried in an eco-friendly casket or shroud in a manner that allows it to return to the earth as quickly as possible. That is why green burials are also called natural burials or eco-burials.

GREEN CEMETERIES A green burial may take place in a conventional modern cemetery or in a green cemetery or natural burial ground that uses eco-friendly methods. In a green burial, graves are dug by hand and concrete vaults or grave liners are not used.

CONVENTIONAL CEMETERY, GREENER CHOICES Even in a conventional cemetery you can still choose a greener burial. Use a green casket or a shroud. If possible, decline the use of a concrete vault or liner. (Vaults and liners are designed to prevent the ground from sinking in when the casket and body decompose. This makes it easier to maintain the manicured, level lawns we associate with modern memorial parks, but it wastes a lot of resources.) Many conventional cemeteries require either a vault or grave liner, but this practice may change if more people reject it. A greener option is a liner with no bottom, which allows the body or casket to rest in the earth.

GRAVE MARKING The practice of marking graves is an important part of remembering the dead and dealing with loss. The way in which you mark a grave can be a greener choice as well. Natural cemeteries often plant trees or shrubs in place of headstones, tablets and other common markers. Planting local flora on or near the grave creates a living memorial and helps create habitat for wildlife.

In a conventional cemetery, choose the minimum size of headstone allowed. Try to find a local monument builder who uses indigenous rather than imported stone, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of production and transportation.

If you choose cremation, there are additional greener burial options such as:

Water burial: Cremated remains are allowed to sink into an ocean, lake or river in a biodegradable container designed to break down within hours or days.

Scattering: Cremated remains are dispersed on land or on a body of water. Many cemeteries have dedicated scattering grounds, which provides a convenient place for families to return to when they want to remember their departed.

Note: Water burial and scattering may be governed by federal and local laws. Please consult your funeral professional if you choose one of these options.

What To Do When Someone Dies: Debts and Bills

Few people die with every bit of their financial affairs in order – even if they left a will or went through substantial funeral pre-planning. That’s because most Americans live on a delicate balance of money coming in, money going out, and money being moved to savings or insurance accounts. And when a loved one passes away, this balance doesn’t go with them. It is up to the dependents and beneficiaries to navigate the many different bills and debts left behind.
Before you pull out your checkbook or start panicking about how you’re going to cover all the immediate expenses, it’s important to learn your rights and responsibilities about paying bills when a loved one dies.
Solvent Vs. Insolvent Estates
Any adult who passes away leaves behind an “estate,” regardless of where he or she lived or how much money he or she left behind. The estate is the collection of assets, debts, and personal property acquired through a lifetime. If the estate is solvent, that means there is enough money (including saleable assets and life insurance) to cover the total amount of debts and bills, including any lingering medical bills acquired prior to death. An insolvent estate is one in which the debts are greater than the assets.

 

If the estate is solvent, it becomes the primary responsibility of the Personal Representative or Executor of the Will to pay the bills owed by the estate. An insolvent estate will operate much like a personal bankruptcy, in which creditors are ranked according to federal and state priorities, and paid in part or in full with whatever assets there are. In the cases of insolvency, the state of residence and the creditors owed share the bulk of the debt – not the family of the deceased, though this may vary depending on the type of debt. Having an insolvent estate also means any money (even that in an insurance policy or will) goes to creditors first, and family members can end up with nothing.
For spouses or family members who shared the finances of the deceased (such as a co-signer on a loan or someone who’s name was listed on the bank account), the disbursement of bills and debts is fairly straightforward. After showing proof of death, the account (whether a positive or negative balance one) becomes entirely your responsibility, and you must handle the bills accordingly. This means that if you share a credit card with your spouse, you are responsible for the debt if he or she dies, even if you didn’t spend any of the money.
Handling the Bills
While the account is still in probate (which means all the legal steps are still being worked through during the solvency/insolvency process), most people will go through the following steps:
Step 1) List all the liabilities of the deceased, up to and including:
• Mortgages
• Lines of credit
• Housing fees
• Property taxes
• Federal and state income taxes
• Automotive loans
• Student loans
• Personal loans
• Credit card bills
• Utility bills
• Phone bills
Step 2) Divide the liabilities into administrative expenses (bills that will continue to need payments through the probate process, such as a mortgage ) and final bills (bills that can simply be paid off in full once the probate is completed, such as income taxes). Administrative expenses will be paid by the Personal Representative or Executor of the Will out of any funds currently in the estate. If there isn’t enough money to pay them, the same individuals must contact the creditors for more information.
Step 3) Make decisions about maintaining payments. In many cases, the beneficiary of a specific item (say that Uncle Larry left you his car) can decide whether or not to take over the payments at this time. If you want to keep the car, you should make regular payments. If you don’t want to keep it, and no other beneficiary is interested, you can stop payments altogether. If you do make payments for these or any other bills, be sure
and keep a record of all the money you spent during the probate period. You may be reimbursed later out of the estate.
Step 4) Determine what can be sold. This is usually the responsibility of the Personal Representative, who must evaluate the bills to determine how much needs to be paid out of the estate. Selling items may be necessary to cover debts, even if you are entitled to that item by virtue of the will.
Step 5) Await a final judgment. Death and handling an estate are very much a legal process. Depending on the state you live in, the exact financial situation of the deceased, and the stipulations of the will and/or any other inheritances, you may end up with much less or much money than you expected—and it can take months or even years of processing before you know for sure. It is very important to get legal advice during this
time if you have any questions about how or if you need to pay bills during the first few weeks following the death of a loved one.
One of the big questions in all this legalese regarding probate and estate solvency is how and who is supposed to pay for the funeral. After all, a life insurance policy that will cover the expenses of the funeral is great…but not if it is tied up in an estate that has heavy debts elsewhere. Keeping funds separate for funeral expenses, whether by pre-planning the funeral or buying funeral insurance, can be a great way to avoid burdening loved ones when so many other bills and probate costs are up in the air.

Pre-Need Funeral Planning: Where to Start

The thought of spending time on funeral planning is not generally a fun one, but by taking the opportunity to engage in what is known as “pre-need funeral planning,” you can take a significant burden off of your loved ones when the time comes. In addition, you have the reassurance of knowing that things will be done the way you want them done. Your funeral plans can be as general as you like, basically paying in advance for a casket and cemetery plot; or you can work out the smallest details such as what funeral flowers and musical arrangements you would like at the service.
A list of what is involved in funeral planning can provide a good place to start own. Most people are completely surprised at the number of details that go into planning a funeral. The vast number of questions to be answered can completely overwhelmed family members who are simultaneously dealing with the loss of a loved one. This is another reason that pre-need funeral planning is so helpful.
Some of the questions may have fairly obvious answers.
• Do you prefer burial or cremation?
• Would you like to have your service at a church? If so, which one? What clergy would you like to preside?
• If you are a veteran, do you want a flag on the casket?
• What would you like to wear? What about glasses, jewelry, prosthetics, etc?
• Do you have a choice of funeral homes?
• Do you prefer a plot, crypt, mausoleum, niche, or other type of burial arrangement?
Other answers may be less obvious.
• Do you want an open or closed casket?
• Should there be a visitation at a funeral home?
• Who will be your pallbearers?
• Which casket or urn do you want?
• Do you want to request that donations be made to a cause in your name?
• Do you need an outer burial container in addition to a casket?
• How will family and friends be notified?
• What will your obituary say, and who will ensure it gets in the paper?
All of these questions and more will be posed to you when you choose pre-need funeral planning. You can be prepared by doing some research, both online and in person. If you intend to use a funeral home, for instance, you may want to visit some during your funeral planning to ensure that you feel that your friends and family will be comfortable in the place you’ve chosen. You can also contact a local association of funeral directors in order to obtain resources that will ease your funeral planning process.
Once you’ve chosen a funeral home, you will find that the funeral director is able to guide you through the pre-need funeral planning. He or she has the experience to know what details need your attention, as well as what laws and regulations you will need to follow. You will also have the time and wherewithal to make good financial decisions, as opposed to having your family try to make the same decisions while overcome with grief. Pre-need funeral planning even affords you the opportunity to do some comparison shopping and save money on your final arrangements.

What To Do When Someone Dies: Bank Accounts

In the event of the death of a loved one or friend, there is so much more to deal with than just the emotions and pain of the passing. The harsh realities of modern life mean that anyone who leaves the world almost always also leaves behind a number of accounts, financial documents, and paperwork that has to be sorted through.
Although funeral pre-plans, wills, and power of attorney orders can go a long way in putting your affairs in order before you die, most people don’t have the luxury of preparing for their own death. This series of articles should help you to determine how and when to tie the loose ends associated with money, real estate, and other accounts following the death of a relative.
Who Can Access the Bank Accounts?
Most Americans have a combination of banking accounts—often at several different financial institutions, and many of which can be international or out-of-state. Unless you are listed on the account as a co-signer or have power of attorney (which gives you the legal right to access almost any type of account), you won’t be able to just go in and stop payments or make withdrawals.
Joint Account: In the event that you have a joint bank with the deceased, all control over the account goes to the remaining party, and you can continue to make payments, deposits, and changes the same way you did while the deceased was still alive. However, in order to remove the deceased from the account, you must show proof of death through a valid death certificate. At that time, the account and all materials associated with it (debit cards, paper statements, the personal information kept on record) defaults to the remaining account holder.
Traditional Bank Account: In a traditional bank account, a single individual has sole control over the money and how it is used. These can be checking accounts or savings accounts. According to law, the first consideration is that the money goes to the individual(s) indicated in the will. If no will has been made, the money in an individual bank account goes to the closest living relative or next of kin (usually a spouse, parent,
or child). In order to access the account, you must have not only a copy of the death certificate, but also proof of your own relationship to the deceased through a birth certificate, a copy of the will, or an executor’s testament.

Trust Account: In a trust account, considerations have already been made for the settlement of the money following death. Usually set up as part of a larger will or estate planning process, the trust states who will be the beneficiary of the account’s contents following the death of the primary holder. This beneficiary may be a person, a group of people, or even an organization. A proof of death (death certificate) is all that is required to access the funds, as long as it is in keeping with the individual trust stipulations.
Safe Deposit Boxes: Safe deposit boxes operate in much the same way as traditional bank accounts, in that they cannot be accessed unless you have proof of death and proof that you are the next of kin or beneficiary of the account. In some states, individuals are required to fill out a rental agreement before they can get a safety deposit box, and they will be asked to provide a list of relatives who may access the box in the event of their death. In these cases, you must comply with the rental agreement.
What Are My First Steps?
In most cases, your attorney, the Executor of the Will, or the Personal Representative can help you navigate the tricky financial waters of bank accounts following the death of a loved one. However, there are a few things you can do to prepare the paperwork on your end of things.
1) Freeze the account, if necessary. Only the Executor of the Will can legally accomplish this, but if there is any question as to who should or should not be allowed to access the money, or if there are automatic debits that need to be stopped, freezing the account might be your best first step.
2) Get several copies of the death certificate. These can typically be ordered through the funeral home or directly from your county or state Department of Health. There will be a charge associated with ordering each one, but many financial institutions require an official copy, so it’s a good idea to have plenty on hand.
3) Contact each bank for more information. Chances are, you aren’t going to be able to walk in and talk to a teller to get all the paperwork filed and processed. You will be asked to make a meeting with a financial advisor familiar with the process who can direct your next steps. Call ahead and
make the appointments, being sure to ask what proof of identity you will be asked to provide.
4) Go over financial statements in the home of the deceased to see what you might be missing. Many times, loved ones discover that there are additional bank accounts or safe deposits that need to be closed and/or the funds dispersed. Although shuffling through decades of paperwork might not be fun, you might discover an older or newer account that you didn’t know about before. If you are unsure if there are additional bank accounts in the deceased’s name, you may be able to contact your state comptroller or unclaimed property office for more information.
5) Prepare to comply with the will or estate Executor. If the deceased left behind a legal will, it will indicate an individual or group of individuals (the Executor or Personal Representative) responsible for distributing the assets in accordance with the law. If there is no will, then the state will most likely assign someone to be in charge. No matter what you might have been told about the bank accounts or what seems fair to you, you will only be able to act under their discretion and in the proper legal channels.
Death and funeral planning is never easy, and the complications that come with money and personal assets can make things even more difficult. By preparing ahead through funeral pre-plans, estate planning, and will drafting, you can facilitate the process for your loved ones. And no matter how
well-planned things are, it can still take some time for all the paperwork to go through and the money disbursed through the appropriate channels.

Why Does a Funeral Cost What it Costs?

The average cost of a funeral in the United States is an estimated $7,500, not including costs associated with the cemetery and the actual burial or disposal of the remains. While this number seems high to anyone seeing it for the first time, funeral costs have been on a steady incline for decades, raising at a higher rate than the economy, but a much lower rate than the average cost of a wedding (which sits at an overwhelming $28,000).
And just like weddings, the actual amount you will pay depends on what type of ceremony and burial arrangements you choose. Things like advance funeral planning and funeral insurance can also help defray costs, especially if you’ve had years in which to begin the planning process.
If you’re facing funeral planning, and you’d like to know where the money goes, you might want to consider all the steps involved:

The funeral director.  A funeral director, this is the individual who will oversee everything from the transport of the body to getting the obituary placed in the local newspaper. Most funeral directors are licensed and fully trained to help you move through the steps of funeral arrangements without feeling overwhelmed or forgetting an integral step in the process.
Body preparation. From transporting the body to embalming it and getting it ready for viewing, there is quite a bit of work that has to go into even the most basic burial arrangements. Even cremations, which are generally less costly overall, require some advance preparation as well as the actual process. In addition to mortician costs associated with all of this, there are considerations of supplies and legal restrictions, as well. For example, if you are moving a body over state (or even country) borders, you can expect even higher costs.
Casket and other supplies. Caskets, urns, burial vaults, headstone markers, and other burial materials make up a fairly large portion of funeral costs. This is also one of the areas where you can spend or save most of your budget. From intricate and ornate to basic and functional, there are options to suit every family.
Visitations and other memorial services. When you choose to have a body viewing or memorial service prior to burial, you are most likely going to need a funeral home with ample space to hold all the mourners. This entire process may require renting out a room, setting up audio/visual effects for the service, hiring a clergy member to oversee the service, providing printed materials, and setting up live or recorded music.
Transportation to the cemetery. If you are planning a formal burial, you will need to transport the body to its final resting space. This may include hiring a hearse, setting up a procession, or even renting funeral cars or limos for the immediate family.
Burial costs. Most cemeteries have their own prices and steps for the interment of the body. Not only do you need to purchase a plot (for burial or for the placement of cremains), but you may want to set up an additional on-site ceremony. There are also the costs associated with the cemetery opening and closing the grave.
Additional supplies. Flowers, the obituary, death certificates, printed materials, memorial websites, and any other details you choose to include in the funeral all add even more to the overall funeral costs. Any other personalized steps you take will also need to be included.
Funeral planning isn’t easy – from both a financial and an emotional standpoint. There are so many small steps required to keep things running smoothly that eliminating or skipping over even one can put a kink in the entire process. Although paying for a funeral is the last thing you want to be worrying about, it is necessary. Fortunately, funeral planning can help you cover many of these issues before death even becomes an issue, and you can ease the transition for only a little extra work today.