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When writing your last will and testament, you need to make sure it's legally binding. Passing away without a will in place, your estate could go to probate court, incurring costs, time, holdups, and headaches for loved ones. After all, if you were to pass away without a will in place, your estate could go to probate court, with its those attendant costs, headaches and holdups. Each state has its own requirements for what makes a last will and testament legally binding. Generally, however, it's simple: You’ll need to be of sound mind when you sign and date the will and have at least two disinterested people witness your signature. Making Your Will Legal: State Law Varies Your last will and testament will be governed by the state where you keep your primary residence (or the state where you pay personal income tax). It’s wise to familiarize yourself with any rules specific to the state where you live. For example, different states have different rules about holographic, or entirely handwritten, wills. Case in point: Texas generally recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills, while New York recognizes holographic wills only in super specific cases. Most states require two disinterested witnesses (meaning people who aren’t named in your will), but some also require notarization (like Louisiana). Here’s a general rundown for each state: Alabama: In Alabama, check out Title 43, Chapter 8. To make your last will and testament legally binding, you need two witnesses at the time of signing. You can’t sign your will electronically. Alaska: You can find the statues in Title 13, Chapter 12. Your will must be written down, and signed by you or someone signing on your behalf in your presence. This signing needs to happen in front of two witnesses Arizona: You can find Arizona’s rules in Title 14. You need to sign the will (or have someone else sign for you in your presence, while you’re conscious) in front of two witnesses. Arkansas: Take a look at Title 28. To make your will legally binding, sign it in front of at least two witnesses. California: These laws are in Sections 6100 through 6113. Sign and date your will (under the condition that you have “testamentary capacity”) and have it signed and witnessed by two people. Colorado: Look to CRS Title 15 for details on the law. In Colorado, you can sign your will in the presence of two witnesses or do so in front of a notary public. Connecticut: Find these laws in Chapter 802a. Like in many other states, you can make your will binding by signing in front of two witnesses. Delaware: Title 12 lays out the rules in Delaware. In this state, you can just sign your will and have it witnessed by two people. Florida: Look to Chapter 732 in Florida. Execution of a valid last will and testament means signing in the presence of two witnesses. Georgia: Check out Title 53. In Georgia, you can make your will binding by signing with two witnesses. Hawaii: Look for Hawaii rules in Chapter 560. As in many other states, your Hawaiian will can be executed if you sign in the presence of two witnesses. Idaho: Rules about executing a will in Idaho are found in Title 15. In this state, you need to sign your will with two witnesses. Illinois: Read up on 755 ILCS 5 to learn the details in Illinois. This is another state in which you just need two witnesses to watch you sign your will. Indiana: In Indiana, look to Title 29. As the testator, you’d need to sign in front of two witnesses. You’re also free to create a self-proving affidavit if you choose. Iowa: Chapter 633 is where you should look in Iowa. As with other states, you need to sign with two witnesses. Kansas: Check out Chapter 59 in Kansas. In this state, you need to sign in the presence of two witnesses, who also sign. Kentucky: Kentucky lists its regulations in Chapter 394. To make your will legally valid, you should sign in the presence of two witnesses. Louisiana: You can find the statutes in CC 1570. This is one of the few states that requires notarization—so get ready to sign your will in front of two witnesses plus a notary. Maine: For more nuanced info, read Title 18-A, Article 2. The basic gist? Sign your will in front of two witnesses. Maryland: You can read the relevant statutes in GAM, Estates and Trusts, Title 4. In Maryland, your will becomes legally binding when you sign it in front of two witnesses (who also sign it). Massachusetts: Take a look at Chapter 190B. To make your will binding in Massachusetts, sign it in front of two witnesses. Michigan: The rules in Michigan are laid out in Act 386 of 1998. In this state, you’d need to sign your will in the presence of two witnesses, who also sign to verify they witnessed it. Minnesota: Chapter 524 is where you’d want to look in Minnesota. To make your will legally binding, you should sign in front of two witnesses. Mississippi: You can find details in Title 91, Chapter 5. If the will is written and signed by the testator, you actually don’t need any witnesses. If it isn’t solely created and signed by the testator, then you do need two or more witnesses. Missouri: Title XVI explains the statutes in Missouri. Essentially, you need to sign in front of two witnesses. Montana: Check out Title 72 for details. In this state, you should sign your will in the presence of two witnesses, who also should sign. Nebraska: Chapter 30 describes the rules in Nebraska. In this state, you should sign your will in the presence of two witnesses, who also sign it. Nevada: You can read up on the statutes in Nevada Title 12, Chapter 133. In this state, you need to sign the last will and testament to make it legally binding, along with two witnesses. New Hampshire: Relevant statutes can be found in Chapter 551. You should, in this state, sign your will in front of two credible witnesses, who should also sign. New Jersey: In New Jersey, the rules are determined by Title 3B. You can legally execute your will in this state by signing it in front of two witnesses. New Mexico: The laws in this state are governed by Chapter 45. This is another state in which you need to print and sign your will in front of two witnesses to make it legally binding. New York: Wills in New York state must abide by the Estates, Powers, and Trusts provisions. To be legally valid, the signing of the will must be witnessed by two people who must also provide signatures. North Carolina: The requirements for drafting a will in this state are contained in Chapter 31 the state statutes. The signing of the will must be witnessed and signed by two people to be valid. North Dakota: In North Dakota Chapter 30.1-08 of the state statues describes the necessary requirements for a will. To execute the will legally you may sign the document before a Notary Public or at least two witnesses. Ohio: Chapter 2107 of the Ohio state statutes lays out the necessary elements of a will in that state. You must then sign the document in front of two witnesses who must also sign the will for it to be legally valid. Oklahoma: In Oklahoma, Title 84 details the requirements to draft a last will and testament. For legal execution, the will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are also signatories of the document. You may notarize it as well. Oregon : Chapter 112 dictates the proper steps for drafting a will in Oregon. Two witnesses must be present at the signing of the will, and also sign the document themselves to make it legally valid. Pennsylvania: In this state, wills must follow the instructions laid out in Title 20, Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries. You must sign the will or sign by mark. The will can be signed by another person on your behalf so long as you are conscious and present for the signing. In this case, two other people must witness and sign the document. Rhode Island: Rhode Island’s Title 33 provides the necessary requirements to be met in drafting a will. At least two witnesses must be present when the will is signed, and then add their signatures to the will. South Carolina: The requirements for drafting a last will and testament in South Carolina can be found in Title 62 of the state’s statutes. In accordance with this statute, the will must be signed by you and two witnesses. South Dakota: You can find the necessary details for drafting a valid will in South Dakota in Chapter 29A-2 of the state statutes. South Dakota’s rules about signatures and validity can be found here § 29A-2-502. Tennessee: In this state, Title 32 is where you will find the necessary elements for drafting a will. The will must be signed by you and at least two witnesses, if the will is neither a nuncupative nor a holographic will. Texas: Look to the Texas Probate Code for the requirements you must follow to draft a will in Texas. To be legally valid, the will must be signed by you and two witnesses who are at least 14 years old. Utah: In this state your will must follow the guidelines set out in Title 75, and must also be signed in the presence of two witnesses who will then add their signatures. Vermont: In Vermont, Title 14 explains what is needed for a last will and testament. To make your will legally valid, you must sign the document along with two credible witnesses. Virginia : The elements necessary to create a will in this state are laid out in Title 64.2. To finalize, you must sign the will along with two witnesses. Washington: Wills in Washington state must adhere to the instructions in Title 11. The document must then be signed by you and two witnesses to be valid. West Virginia: Chapter 41 describes the elements necessary to complete a will. The will must contain your signature and that of two witnesses to be valid. Wisconsin: All of the details to create a last will and testament in Wisconsin can be found in Chapter 583. The will is made legally valid by the testator adding their signature along with two witnesses. Wyoming : In this state, Title 2 outlines how to draft a will. Upon completion, it you must sign it along with two witnesses. If you have specific questions about your state’s requirements, we suggest you reach out to a qualified attorney. And, of course, there are some components that you may think of as part of your estate plan that aren't actually included in your will, and therefore won't become legally binding through this process. This includes instructions regarding your pets, online accounts and more.

Term life insurance policies are very popular these days, and of course, they can provide very valuable protection at a low cost for many people. However, the problem with term life insurance is that it expires just when the covered person would find it harder to find protection, after ten or twenty or thirty years, the term life insurance expires. The theory behind term life insurance is that by that time the insured person will have less obligations, and they will have enough money saved to self insure. However, we find many senior citizens and retired people who have not had the good fortune to be free of obligations, and with sufficient savings to cover their debts, final expenses, and other obligations. Also, by the time we reach maturity, we may also have developed more health problems. As if an advanced age were not enough, health problems may make us very tough or expensive to insure at all! However some life insurance companies have developed senior life, guaranteed life insurance, or final expense life insurance programs to meet these needs. These are, basically whole life insurance policies. This means that the policy will stay in force as long as the policy is kept in force. A policy is usually kept in force by paying premiums, or by having the policy ìpaid upî. Yes, many whole life policies can be paid up over a period of years, usually ten to twenty years. In this case, an insured person can relax, knowing they will have life insurance for their whole lives, and not just for a period of years. These type of senior life insurance or final expense policies come in two types that do not require a medical exam. For a face value that usually ranges from $2,500 to $25,000, many senior life insurance companies will offer simple issue and guaranteed issue life insurance policies. Because the face value is lower, and so the risk to insurance companies is lower, you can find some more relaxed requirements to gain affordable coverage for life insurance. Seniors can leave this money to a beneficiary, usually their spouse or children, to cover burial expenses, settle final debts, and leave some money as an estate. Simple issue life insurance policies provide immediate death benefits. They do as health questions on the applications, but the great majority of seniors can qualify. They usually only declined applicants who have a terminal disease, or are in a nursing home. So smaller health issues will not prevent an applicant from obtaining coverage. Since the coverage is immediate, as soon as the insured person is notified that their policy has been issued, they will be covered. Guaranteed issue life insurance policies do not ask any health questions at all! Instead they underwrite by delaying full coverage for a period of months, from 24 to 36, or 2 to 3 years. If the insured person passes away during this qualification period, they will refund all premiums with a specified interest rate. For an older individual with serious health issues, this is still a no-lose deal. If you are an older person, or if you are concerned about paying final expenses for your parents, consider a senior life insurance policy. It will be much easier to pay an affordable monthly premiums than to come up with several thousand dollars for a burial and other expenses after the person dies.

Planning a funeral for a loved one is an emotionally charged experience, often compounded by the burden of financial considerations. Understanding the average cost of funerals in the United States can help ease some of that burden and guide informed decision-making during this sensitive time. The Bottom Line: According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral in the United States in 2024 was approximately $9,150. This figure includes the basic services of funeral homes, embalming, and a casket, but excludes additional costs like cemetery plots, monuments, and death certificates. A Breakdown of Costs: Funeral Home Services: This encompasses basic services like coordinating arrangements, directing the funeral, and providing staff and facilities. It typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. Embalming: Embalming preserves the body and is required by law in some cases. It adds $700 to $1,500 to the cost. Casket: Caskets can vary widely in price depending on the material, style, and features. The median cost falls between $2,500 and $6,000. Cemetery Plot and Vault: The cost of a cemetery plot can vary significantly depending on location and availability. It typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, and a concrete vault adds another $1,500 to $3,000. Factors Affecting Cost: Several factors can influence the overall cost of a funeral, including: Location: Funeral costs tend to be higher in urban areas compared to rural ones. Type of service: Traditional burials with embalming and viewing are more expensive than cremation, which typically costs $6,280 on average. Casket choice: As mentioned earlier, casket material and features significantly impact the price. Cemetery fees: Plot location, size, and opening/closing fees can vary greatly. Additional services: Flowers, catering, transportation, and personalized touches add to the overall cost. Cost-Saving Tips: Shop around: Compare prices from different funeral homes and cemeteries. Consider cremation: Cremation is generally less expensive than traditional burial. Choose a simpler casket: Opt for a more affordable material or forego features you don't need. Pre-plan your funeral: Discussing and planning your wishes in advance can help your family save money and make informed decisions. Remember: The average cost of a funeral is just a starting point. By understanding the breakdown of costs and considering your individual needs and preferences, you can make informed choices that align with your budget and values. Additional Resources: National Funeral Directors Association Funeral Consumers Alliance The Cremation Association of North America

For each year that passes, funeral expenses get more expensive. In fact, you can pay upwards of $10,000 for a funeral today. Missouri prices can be slightly less, depending on the style of service you choose, the means of transportation you use, where you decide to hold the funeral, and which memorial expenses you include. But even funerals in Missouri can reach that amount, and these high prices can cause your loved ones to struggle if they’re left to pay your funeral costs. That’s why so many people are planning their funerals in advance. They don’t want their loved ones to experience financial stress because of the cost of their final arrangements. They’re looking for ways to pay for their funeral to help alleviate the burden. And some options allow you to leave enough money to pay for your funeral as well as other final expenses such as a car payment balance, utility bills, and medical expenses. One option is final expense insurance. Depending on the payout amount you choose, the policy could pay for some or all of these things. You’ll experience a few differences when buying final expense insurance in Missouri compared to other states. We’ll guide you through the process and show you how Funeral Advantage can help make it easier for your loved ones after you’re gone. The Funeral Rule Federal law dictates basic laws surrounding burial services. Known as the Funeral Rule, these rules apply to every state and are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Pricing – Funeral homes must quote prices for products and services over the phone if requested. In person, they must provide a general price list, a casket price list, and a burial container price list (when applicable). Contracts – An itemized statement of charges and estimates must be provided before a contract is signed. Pre-Need Funeral Plans – FTC laws do not apply to the language of pre-need contracts. They do not govern payment options, costs, modifications, transfers, cancellations, or administrative fees. Funeral & Burial Expectations in Missouri Each state has different laws and requirements that govern what happens when someone dies and Missouri is no exception. The state has specific statutes that you will have to follow when someone dies. Death Certificates Missouri has a two-step process for certifying a death, requiring first a medical certification and then a death certificate. The state allows coroners, medical examiners, physicians, physician assistants, assistant physicians, and advanced practice registered nurses to issue medical certifications. The certifier must complete the document within 72 hours of the death. To complete the certification, they use an electronic program called the Missouri Vital Records Electronic system (MoEVR) to file the certificates. The system also allows any of the above-named people to assign the task of entering the medical certification into the electronic system to someone else, such as a funeral director or someone else who has been approved as a data entry person. Once the death is medically certified, the funeral director completes the death certificate. They do this with help from the deceased’s family and the physician. In cases where a funeral director is not involved, the doctor (or other medical professional who recorded the medical certification) typically completes the death certificate. This step can only happen after the original certifier electronically signs the certification. If you work with a funeral director, they can request copies of the death certificate for you, or your family can request one. Embalming & Refrigeration Missouri has some regulations when it comes to embalming and refrigeration. Once a person is deceased for 24 hours, the state requires that the body is refrigerated or embalmed. This is not Missouri law, but rather a regulation that all Missouri licensed funeral homes must abide by. If you plan for a home funeral, this regulation does not apply. However, there are some circumstances in which Missouri requires a deceased person to be embalmed. They are: If someone dies of an infectious disease and won’t be buried or cremated within 24 hours. If a person dies of a contagious disease and is shipped by common carrier. This regulation isn’t true if the shipper wraps the body in a sheet saturated with disinfectant and places it in a sealed casket. If the deceased person is shipped by common carrier but won’t reach the destination for 24 hours or more. This regulation becomes null if that person travels in a sealed casket. Burial Requirements In Missouri, a person does not have to be placed in a casket when buried. But it’s important that you check with the cemetery because they all have different rules. Like most other states, Missouri specifies who can make the burial arrangements for a deceased person. The state allows these individuals to make the decisions, in this order: Your appointed attorney to whom you have granted a durable power of attorney Your surviving spouse Any of your surviving children Any surviving parent Surviving siblings The next of kin A person who is willing to assume financial responsibility The county coroner or medical examiner If a disagreement arises, the funeral director is allowed to use the instructions of any in the deciding party. For instance, if siblings can’t come to a decision, the funeral director can choose which sibling’s instructions to carry out. Cremation Services Missouri allows cremation as long as the funeral director receives two signed documents. The first is a cremation authorization signed by the spouse, a majority of the deceased’s children, a parent, or a legal guardian. The second document is the death certificate, signed by the doctor and filed with the County Health Department. Alternatively, cremation can occur if the medical examiner or coroner releases the deceased for cremation. In addition to traditional cremation, Missouri allows alkaline hydrolysis. This chemical process dissolves the body into liquid and bone and is greener than traditional cremation because no matter enters the air. It is also called flameless cremation. Average Funeral Costs in Missouri Final expenses in Missouri vary widely, from an average as low as $1,000 up to $12,445. The exact cost of a funeral will depend on what services and products you choose.

No one likes to think about their own mortality, but planning for the inevitable is an important part of life. Final expense life insurance can help ease the financial burden on your loved ones when you pass away by providing them with funds to cover your final expenses, such as funeral costs, medical bills, and outstanding debts. What is Final Expense Life Insurance? Final expense life insurance is a whole life insurance policy designed to cover your end-of-life expenses. Unlike traditional life insurance policies, which can have high premiums and large death benefits, final expense policies typically have lower premiums and death benefits in the range of $5,000 to $30,000. This makes them an affordable option for people who want to ensure their loved ones are not left with a financial burden after they pass away. Who Needs Final Expense Life Insurance? Final expense life insurance is a good option for anyone who wants to: Protect their loved ones from financial hardship: Funeral costs, medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses can add up quickly. Final expense life insurance can help your loved ones cover these costs without having to dip into their own savings or take on debt. Leave a legacy: If you have any outstanding debts or want to leave a gift to your loved ones, final expense life insurance can help you do that. Gain peace of mind: Knowing that your final expenses are covered can give you and your loved ones peace of mind. How Much Coverage Do I Need? The amount of final expense life insurance coverage you need will depend on your individual circumstances. Some factors to consider include: The cost of your funeral: Funeral costs can vary depending on your location and preferences. Any outstanding debts you have: If you have any outstanding debts, such as credit card debt or a mortgage, you may want to consider getting enough coverage to pay them off. Whether you want to leave a legacy: If you want to leave a gift to your loved ones, you will need to factor that into your coverage amount. How to Choose a Final Expense Life Insurance Policy When choosing a final expense life insurance policy, it is important to shop around and compare rates and features from different companies. Here are some things to consider: The death benefit: This is the amount of money that will be paid to your beneficiaries upon your death. The premium: This is the amount you will pay each month for your coverage. The underwriting requirements : Some companies may have stricter underwriting requirements than others. This means they may require you to take a medical exam or answer questions about your health history. The benefits and exclusions: Some policies may offer additional benefits, such as accidental death coverage or waiver of premium riders. Be sure to read the policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered. Final Thoughts Final expense life insurance can be a valuable tool for helping your loved ones cope with the financial burden of your death. By taking the time to understand your needs and shop around for the right policy, you can ensure that your loved ones are taken care of when you are gone. Tips for Planning Your Funeral In addition to considering final expense life insurance, here are a few tips for planning your funeral: Talk to your loved ones about your wishes: Let your loved ones know what your preferences are for your funeral, such as whether you want a traditional burial or cremation. Pre-plan your funeral: You can pre-plan your funeral and even pay for it in advance. This can help take some of the stress off of your loved ones at a difficult time. Create a will: A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for how your assets will be distributed after you die. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can help ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after you are gone.

Whether you’re planning a funeral for yourself or someone you love, it can be a difficult and emotional time. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process: Before the funeral: Gather information: If you’re planning a funeral for someone else, be sure to gather information about their wishes, including whether they had any pre-arrangements, budget preferences, and desired ceremony type. Set a budget: Funerals can be expensive, so it’s important to set a realistic budget upfront. Consider all the costs involved, such as the funeral home, casket or urn, cemetery plot, flowers, and death certificate. Choose a funeral home: Do some research to find a funeral home that meets your needs and budget. Ask about their services and fees, and be sure to read reviews. Decide on the type of ceremony: There are many different types of funeral ceremonies, from traditional religious services to more informal celebrations of life. Choose a format that feels right for you and the deceased. Write a eulogy or obituary: If you’re giving a eulogy, start writing it early so you have time to gather your thoughts and express yourself thoughtfully. An obituary is a brief public notice of someone’s death that can be published in a newspaper or online. During the funeral: Dress appropriately: While there is no strict dress code for funerals, it’s generally best to dress conservatively and respectfully. Avoid bright colors or revealing clothing. Be respectful of others: This is a time for grieving, so be mindful of your behavior and be respectful of others’ emotions. Offer condolences: If you see someone who is grieving, offer your condolences in a sincere and heartfelt way. You can simply say something like, “I’m so sorry for your loss” or “I’m thinking of you during this difficult time.” Follow the program: If there is a funeral program, be sure to follow it so you know what to expect. After the funeral: Stay in touch with the family : The weeks and months after a funeral can be especially difficult for the bereaved. Stay in touch with the family and offer your support. Send a sympathy card: If you didn’t attend the funeral, you can still send a sympathy card to the family. Express your condolences and let them know you’re thinking of them. Help with practical tasks: If you’re close to the family, offer to help with practical tasks such as cooking meals, running errands, or watching children. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself and others to grieve in whatever way feels right.

When it comes to financial protection for your family, life insurance is one of the best choices you can make. But life insurance isn’t an easy topic to discuss, even among close family, and it’s a subject we often overlook or avoid altogether. If you already have it, be sure to have a conversation with your loved ones about your coverage. If you don’t have insurance yet, take the time to get a quote and find out how much coverage you need. Our guide explains everything you need to know about how to find out if someone has life insurance. If you’re unsure if someone has or had a policy, there are ways to find out, including looking at personal belongings, doing an online search, and contacting the Insurance Commissioner’s office in your state. How to Find Out if a Life Insurance Policy Exists After Death There are many things you need to do when a spouse or loved one dies. One of your top priorities will be finding ways to pay for the funeral and other final expenses, including insurance policies. Taking these steps can help you find the important documents you need. Talk to Friends, Family Members, and Acquaintances It’s important to know how to find out if someone has life insurance when they pass away. It’s one of the first things to do when someone dies. If you are unsure whether the deceased had a life insurance policy, talk with people outside of the immediate family. Sometimes, it’s easier to talk to people you’re not as close to about subjects related to death and dying. For that reason, your loved one may have confided about their benefits in friends, spiritual leaders, doctors, or social groups they were a part of (such as book clubs or exercise groups). Search Personal Belongings If your loved one had a policy, there is likely some record of it amidst their personal belongings. Check paperwork in his or her home and business. Accessing safe deposit boxes can be more difficult, and requirements vary by state. In most cases, you’ll need to have the key to the box, as well as a copy of the death certificate. You will also need proof of relation — a marriage certificate or executor’s testament, for example — and a photo ID. If you do not have the key, there may be an extra fee to drill into the box. Once opened, bank officers can deliver life insurance documents to named beneficiaries, but other contents must remain in place until a will or estate plan is executed. Even if there is no record of the policy itself, there are other documents that may give you some clues: Business cards of insurance agents, attorneys, accountants, or financial advisors can connect you to potential contacts who may have helped secure a policy. Bank statements or cancelled checks may show payments to life insurance companies. Address books and planners may have useful contacts. Check Old Bills & Mail Life insurance companies will continue to send premium notices and updates via mail and/or email, so be sure to check your loved one’s mail and email. Credit card and other financial statements may also help you find out if a policy exists. Contact Employers and Member Organizations Contact past and present employers, as well as professional and social organizations of which your loved one was a member. Many people receive free or low-cost policies through work or as a member benefit. Even if your loved one was retired or no longer active in these groups, the policy could still be in place. Do an Online Search Several websites offer free search tools to help users find unclaimed assets, including death benefits. Simply type your loved one’s name into the search box at any of the following sites: National Association of Insurance Commissioners – Life Insurance Policy Locator MissingMoney.com National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators – Unclaimed.org There are also companies who will search for a lost policy for your loved one, and they can be a helpful resource for how to find out if someone has life insurance. Representatives will contact hundreds of life insurance companies on your behalf to determine whether your loved one had a policy. Fees vary, and scams involving this type of service do exist, so do your research before you go this route. Call Your State Insurance Commissioner’s Office If you haven’t had any luck locating a policy, get in touch with the Insurance Commissioner in your state. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website lists the contact information for each state office. When an authorized person makes an inquiry to a policy, the state office typically forwards the request to licensed agencies within the state. The agencies will perform a search and, if a contract is found, will then make contact. If the person making the request is not an authorized party, the agency will not contact him or her, but will attempt to contact the named beneficiary. Does Your Living Relative Have Life Insurance? Though the best way to figure out if your relative has coverage is to ask him or her, there are some situations where it’s not an option. For example, if your loved one lives with dementia or mental illness, he or she may not be able to tell you the status of his or her coverage. The same may be true if your relative has been injured in a sudden accident or unforeseen medical emergency. If you need to know if your living relative has life insurance, you should follow the same steps listed above. FAQs Who can request information about a life insurance policy? Even after death, companies must protect the privacy of their clients. In most cases, next of kin and policy beneficiaries can request information about a policy, but they may need to provide proof to the insurance company. What information do I need to make a claim? To make a claim, you will need several pieces of documentation: deceased’s full name, including maiden name Social Security Number (SSN) death certificate proof of your relation and/or identity To start the process, simply contact the life insurance company that issued the policy and they’ll provide you with instructions. What happens to the death benefits if no one claims the money? Insurance companies turn over unclaimed death benefits to the state’s unclaimed property office. This is usually the office of the State Treasurer. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators’ website lists this contact information by state. Can you be the beneficiary of a life insurance policy and not know it? Yes, you can. There is no requirement to notify a person when you list him or her on a policy. It’s important to know how to find out if someone has life insurance if you’ll be responsible for settling their estate or paying any of their final expenses, including their funeral. The easiest way, of course, is to ask your loved ones. If that’s not an option, the steps above can help you find the critical documents you need.

The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), makes it possible for you to choose only those goods and services you want or need and to pay only for those you select, whether you are making arrangements when a death occurs or in advance. The Rule allows you to compare prices among funeral homes, and makes it possible for you to select the funeral arrangements you want at the home you use. (The Rule does not apply to third-party sellers, such as casket and monument dealers, or to cemeteries that lack an on-site funeral home.) Your Rights Under the Funeral Rule The Funeral Rule gives you the right to: Buy only the funeral arrangements you want. You have the right to buy separate goods (such as caskets) and services (such as embalming or a memorial service). You do not have to accept a package that may include items you do not want. Get price information on the telephone. Funeral directors must give you price information on the telephone if you ask for it. You don’t have to give them your name, address, or telephone number first. Although they are not required to do so, many funeral homes mail their price lists, and some post them online. Get a written, itemized price list when you visit a funeral home. The funeral home must give you a General Price List (GPL) that is yours to keep. It lists all the items and services the home offers, and the cost of each one. See a written casket price list before you see the actual caskets. Sometimes, detailed casket price information is included on the funeral home’s GPL. More often, though, it’s provided on a separate casket price list. Get the price information before you see the caskets, so that you can ask about lower-priced products that may not be on display. See a written outer burial container price list. Outer burial containers are not required by state law anywhere in the U.S., but many cemeteries require them to prevent the grave from caving in. If the funeral home sells containers, but doesn’t list their prices on the GPL, you have the right to look at a separate container price list before you see the containers. If you don’t see the lower-priced containers listed, ask about them. Receive a written statement after you decide what you want, and before you pay . It should show exactly what you are buying and the cost of each item. The funeral home must give you a statement listing every good and service you have selected, the price of each, and the total cost immediately after you make the arrangements. Get an explanation in the written statement from the funeral home that describes any legal cemetery or crematory requirement that requires you to buy any funeral goods or services. Use an “alternative container” instead of a casket for cremation. No state or local law requires the use of a casket for cremation. A funeral home that offers cremations must tell you that alternative containers are available, and must make them available. They might be made of unfinished wood, pressed wood, fiberboard, or cardboard. Provide the funeral home with a casket or urn you buy elsewhere . The funeral provider cannot refuse to handle a casket or urn you bought online, at a local casket store, or somewhere else — or charge you a fee to do it. The funeral home cannot require you to be there when the casket or urn is delivered to them. Make funeral arrangements without embalming. No state law requires routine embalming for every death. Some states require embalming or refrigeration if the body is not buried or cremated within a certain time; some states don’t require it at all. In most cases, refrigeration is an acceptable alternative. In addition, you may choose services like direct cremation and immediate burial, which don’t require any form of preservation. Many funeral homes have a policy requiring embalming if the body is to be publicly viewed, but this is not required by law in most states. Ask if the funeral home offers private family viewing without embalming. If some form of preservation is a practical necessity, ask the funeral home if refrigeration is available.

Often, when we lose a loved one, an important part of the healing process is reflecting on the life they lived. A memorial gathering is an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to your loved one’s many accomplishments and unique personality. A eulogy is a lovely way to share fond memories about your loved one that you cherish and hold dear — helping to create a lasting legacy. It’s also an opportunity to express your feelings of deep gratitude and unending love. What is a eulogy? A heartfelt speech that pays tribute to your loved one, a eulogy tells the story of their life and shares what they meant to their friends and family. A eulogy may be delivered at a funeral service, a celebration of life or a graveside ceremony. Eulogies are normally given by family members and close friends. Religious leaders and coworkers may also be invited to share their memories of your loved one. Eulogy vs. obituary Compared with an obituary, a eulogy is much more personal and reflective. An obituary is an announcement that usually follows a particular template or outline. A eulogy tends to be more personal and can contain a funny story, cherished memories or an emotional reflection. Depending on who is giving the eulogy, the stories are completely unique to the relationship and the bond shared with your loved one. How to start a eulogy Get started by doing a little research about your loved one — the place they were born, what they were like as a child and events in their family life as an adult. Discover what they accomplished in their lifetime. Learn about barriers they may have overcome. Explore their life passions and hobbies. Find out what their family and friends cherished about them. Ask people about the impact they felt your loved one made on those around them. Sharing these memories and impressions can be an uplifting and essential part of the grieving process for all involved. Be sure to write your eulogy down. You may be nervous or grief-stricken at the funeral, and it may be difficult to remember the details you wanted to share. It can be helpful to print it out in large font in case you get tearful while reading. If you’re not comfortable getting up and speaking in front of a crowd, you could ask a friend or family member to read your eulogy for you. How long should a eulogy be? Don’t worry — you aren’t expected to write a novel. You can keep it simple and short. Just share one or two of your favorite memories about your loved one. A eulogy is typically about 5 to 10 minutes long. If this seems daunting to you, ask your loved one’s friends, coworkers or other family members to share in the experience of crafting the eulogy. How to personalize a eulogy The details you include in the eulogy will make it unique and reflective of your loved one’s personality. Did they have a great sense of humor? You can share one or two of their favorite jokes. Was your loved one dependable and generous? Share what their relationship meant to you and others. Were they extremely driven and motivated? Expound on their values and accomplishments. What to include You can make it lighthearted or somber — whichever you prefer. A eulogy is typically informally written. Imagine you’re talking to a close friend. You may want to touch on some or all of these topics: An overview of their life story and milestones Relationships with family, friends and coworkers Volunteer work and career accomplishments Hobbies, interests and talents Their favorite stories, poems, songs or quotes The impact they had on the lives surrounding them A thank you to guests for coming to offer condolences Remember to keep the eulogy positive. Sharing a eulogy is an opportunity to reflect on uplifting memories. Eulogy for your parents A eulogy for either of your parents will, above all, touch on the many ways they cared for you. If you’re writing a eulogy for your mother, you can emphasize her accomplishments, her wonderful attributes and the way she impacted those around her. How did she positively influence and support you? Likewise, a eulogy for your father could be an opportunity to share the things you cherished about his personality, character and achievements. How did he encourage and nurture you? In what ways was he a role model? Eulogy for a sibling When writing a eulogy for your sibling, you may want to share funny anecdotes or silly arguments you had as children. Reflect on how your relationship changed as you matured and grew up together. Explain some of the common bonds you had and the experiences that you’ll always remember. Eulogy for a grandparent You may have fond memories of your grandparent from your childhood. You could share some of your favorite stories, wisdom passed down from your grandma or how you’ll miss your grandpa’s famous cookies. These lovely stories will help you connect with your audience, who likely have similar memories of your grandparent. Practicing your eulogy When you’ve finished writing your eulogy, you’ll want to practice reading it aloud. Try presenting the eulogy to a friend or family member before deliver it. Ask for feedback so you can edit accordingly, making sure the details are understandable and accurately reflect your loved one’s personality. When you’re nervous, you’ll likely read faster. Focus on reading it slowly. Pause briefly between details so that guests have time to reflect. A eulogy provides closure Above all, don’t worry about performing the eulogy perfectly. Your audience understands that you are grieving a loss, and they are there to support you. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with the memories. A eulogy can help provide much-needed closure and comfort to you and your audience, both children and adults. Remembering your loved one and sharing their singular qualities with others helps commemorate and honor their legacy.