Final disposition instructions are an often-overlooked but essential part of estate planning. This legal document allows you to specify your wishes regarding what should happen to your body after death. Whether you prefer burial or cremation, wish for your remains to be scattered, or have made pre-need arrangements with a funeral home, outlining these details in advance ensures your preferences are respected and relieves your loved ones of difficult decisions during a time of grief.
What Do Final Disposition Instructions Include?
A final disposition instruction document should cover several key details:
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Burial vs. Cremation : Clearly state your preference for burial or cremation.
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Funeral and Cemetery Arrangements : If you’ve made pre-need arrangements with a funeral home or cemetery, this should be specified in the document, including contact information and/or plot information.
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Disposition of Remains : If you wish to be cremated, you can detail where you’d like your ashes to be kept or scattered. If you prefer burial, include the location and any specific instructions about the burial site.
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Representative: Appointing a trusted representative is crucial. This person will be in charge of ensuring your wishes are carried out, and they will have the legal authority to make decisions if needed.
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Proper Execution : To ensure your wishes are protected and respected, we execute this document in front of a notary and two witnesses, just like with a will.
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Repatriation of Remains for Arizona Residents Wishing to Be Buried in Mexico
For many Arizona residents, particularly those with strong family or cultural ties to Mexico, it’s important to be buried in their homeland. Repatriating remains to Mexico involves additional planning, as it requires coordination between Arizona and Mexican authorities. You should find a funeral home on both sides of the border that has experience with this process to guide you. Plan for this process to take at least a few weeks to accommodate gathering the proper documentation and transporting the remains.
For example, if working with a funeral home to repatriate remains, you will need a death certificate with a translation and apostille through the Arizona Secretary of State office. You will also need an embalming or cremation certificate and a transit permit (the funeral home should be able to provide these documents). Make sure to keep records of any invoices you receive during this process as well.
Concluding Thoughts
At Windrose Law Center, we help you create comprehensive final disposition instructions that reflect your wishes, including any repatriation concerns. Our goal is to provide peace of mind knowing that your plans will be carried out, no matter where you wish to be laid to rest.
Having repatriation instructions in your final disposition document can help your family navigate the legal and logistical challenges, including permits, transportation, and compliance with international regulations. Working with an attorney and funeral home experienced in cross-border disposition can ensure these wishes are fulfilled smoothly.
If you have any questions or need assistance in creating your final disposition instructions, contact us today. Let us help you plan for every detail.