William Stalter is the founder of Stalter Legal Services and the Preneed Resource Company. Bill focuses his law practice on preneed and death care compliance, serving banks, funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries. He has written multiple published articles
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Prepaid Funeral Contract,Preplanning,Transition DocumentsWe’re back to that recent New York Times article about funeral planning. The reporter offers spot on advice about the ‘gaps’ of preneed arrangements. A surviving parent will frequently advise adult children that they need not worry about his (or her) funeral because they have purchased a preneed contract. As the article suggests, adult children… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Guaranteed,Non-guaranteed,Preneed,Prepaid Funeral Contract,Transition DocumentsEarlier this year, the New York Times ran a story that on funeral planning that raised several valid issues and recommendations. We will use the next few blog posts to explore certain issues and recommendations in greater detail. With this post we will start with the article’s discussion of prepaying for a preneed contract, and… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Power of Attorney,Transition DocumentsThe Conversation Project recently posted a blog entry titled “Somebody with a Backbone”: Tips for Choosing a Health Care Proxy. We could not agree more with the post’s recommendations about how to go about selecting a power of attorney for health care decisions. The post includes a hyperlink to “How to” brochure that is an… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Power of Attorney,Transition DocumentsThe Kansas City Star recently devoted a column to Marty Schottenheimer, and his family’s support as he adjusts to life with Alzheimer’s. Coach Schottenheimer was diagnosed with the disease in his late 60’s, but continues an active life, with the assistance of his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. The column is a reminder that multiple family… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Churches/Ritual,Transition Documents,UncategorizedChurches from different denominations are observing “Conservation Sabbath” from November 11th through the 20th. In 2010, a faith-related initiative titled the “The Conversation Project” was initiated by journalist Ellen Goodman. The Conversation Project is dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. Their website states: “Too many people are dying in a… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Right of Sepulcher,Transition DocumentsWe recently came across a Missouri Law Review article that examined a Missouri Court of Appeals case that ruled a durable power of attorney for health care decisions was ineffective for the granting a right of sepulcher. The form included a “springing” clause which was never triggered by two physicians’ determination of incompetency. The article… Continue Reading
By Bill Stalter on Posted in Power of Attorney,Right of Sepulcher,Transition DocumentsBetty Jean Collins had her own preferences for the disposition of her body, but her children had other plans. As counsel to many funeral homes, I have seen this situation too many times. The time that should be used for remembrance and healing, is instead marked by conflict and expense. A right of sepulcher designation… Continue Reading
