Many people avoid conversations about funerals, particularly their own. Some are indifferent to what happens to their body. Others dismiss the topic to deflect their discomfort, saying, “I’ll be gone anyway, so why worry about it?” Meanwhile, those who are superstitious may feel that discussing their own death is taboo and will somehow hasten their passing. Still, it’s a conversation worth braving.
When a person dies, decisions regarding the funeral are left to that individual’s executor (liquidator in Quebec). Practically speaking, funeral planning normally falls to the family. Without clear instructions, this may result in distress and uncertainty.
It’s worth noting that even when a funeral is prearranged, the person tasked with planning the funeral can make changes. That raises an important question: if the person planning your funeral can override the plans you put in place during your lifetime, why go through the effort and unease of making these arrangements?
Beyond the fact that sharing your wishes with your chosen executor and family members makes it much more likely they’ll be carried out, there are several reasons why it may be a good idea to enter into a prearranged funeral contract.
Ease the burden on loved ones
Why not make things easier for your executor and family members by alleviating the need to make decisions about your funeral at an emotional time?
Reduce the risk of overspending
Especially in the period immediately following a death, when emotions are running high, it’s easy for overspending to occur.
Get peace of mind for yourself
If you have any important traditions or religious practices you want adhered to as part of your final send-off, prearranging gives you an opportunity to record your wishes. For example, if want to be buried rather than cremated, you can specify this as part of your arrangements. If you enter into a prearranged funeral contract in Quebec, there is even a register to check for any arrangements you made.
Avoid increases in costs
When a funeral is prepaid in full (not all prearranged funerals are prepaid), costs are limited to the contract price. No additional costs have to come out of your estate, if no other services are added.
About the Author
Valerie Markidis
As a Wealth Planning Consultant with CI Assante Private Client’s Wealth Planning Group, Valerie works closely with our team to provide solutions for our clients in the intergenerational transfer of wealth, with a focus on estate planning. Valerie joined CI Assante in 2022, bringing 14 years of experience at two major trust companies, where she held national responsibility for Wills and actively supported advisors across Canada with questions and interpretations related to Wills, Powers of Attorney and Trusts.
Prior to her tenure with the trust companies, Valerie worked in private practice, where wills and estates were some of her key focus areas. She is lawyer with a Bachelor of Law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and an Honours BA from Queen’s University.