4 things you can do to protect your loved ones in the future

Making plans for after you pass isn't usually the thing that tops anyone's to-do list. However, creating a plan is one of the best things you can do for both you and your family.

With a little thought and preparation, you can protect your family from any stress, conflict and financial or legal worries in the future.

Here, we discuss 4 things you can do now to protect your family in the future.

1. Think about what you want to happen

Before you jump straight into making any important decisions, take some time to carefully consider your wishes for after you pass.

Think about any important questions you'd like answered and consider potential scenarios, such as:

• Who will make decisions on my behalf if I cannot do so?
• Who will care for my children if I die before they turn 18?
• Do I want a funeral or cremation?
• How will I divide my assets after my death?

It can be difficult to think about these questions, let alone initiate a conversation with your loved ones.

But, discussing your plans with loved ones in advance will help you clearly communicate your intentions and give your family and friends a chance to ask any questions.

If you feel like you are struggling to start the conversation, find out our advice on how to discuss funeral plans with your loved ones.

2. Make a will

Wills aren't just for elderly folks. Regardless of your marital status, age, assets or wealth, you should have a will.

What is a will?

A will is a legally binding document, created by you or on your behalf, which determines what happens to your property, assets and other possessions after you die.

You might also choose a will to designate how certain personal possessions such as jewellery, or family heirlooms are divided.

What happens if I die without a will?

Dying without a will, known as intestacy, means that their estate must be shared out according to certain rules.

Without a will, these rules will determine who will inherit your property and possessions after you die. Ultimately, this could mean that everything you own could be allocated in a way you might not have chosen.

It's never too late to make a will. There are some key life events where it's important to make sure your will is in place, up to date, and is an accurate reflection of your wishes. This could be a marriage or divorce in the family, or the birth of a child or grandchild.

 3. Organise a funeral plan

A funeral plan allows you to choose your own funeral arrangements, and pay for them in advance.

Funeral plans are a great way of providing financial security for your family, and will reassure them that your funeral is carried out according to your own wishes.

Organising a funeral plan will help you set our what you would like for your funeral. From choosing whether to be buried or cremated, to personal touches such as flowers, dress code and charity donations.

With a funeral plan, you can say exactly what you want you funeral to be, and pay for it in advance. At Celebration of Life, we offer a simple pre-paid funeral plan, local to you for just £1,450 (including crematorium fees).  

When the time comes, your loved one won't have to worry about planning your funeral, which a huge stress and financial burden lifted from your loved one's shoulders.

4. Choose a lasting power of attorney

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a written legal document, in which you can appoint somone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do this yourself.

There are different types of power of attorney documents to consider:

• Financial power of attorney
  Appoints someone to manage your finances if you cannot.
• Health care power of attorney
  Appoints someone to make health care decisions for you if you cannot. For example, if you become unable to communicate your wishes.
• Living will
  Outlines your specific wishes for life-sustaining treatments. For example, you might want your living will to include a “do-not-resuscitate” order (DNR).

You can choose more than one person to be your attorney. However, if you do appoint more than one, you must choose whether they’ll make decisions individually or as together.

Plan ahead with Celebration of Life

At Celebration of Life, we provide a simple, fully inclusive prepaid funeral plan at the cost of just £1,450. This includes 24/7 help and guidance, collection from anywhere in Great Britain, an unattended cremation at our trusted partner crematorium, all disbursements including doctors’ fees, as well as your ashes returned to a loved one.

If you’d like to plan ahead for your future and take control of your funeral plans, contact our friendly team today, or learn more about our prepaid funeral plan offering here.