COVID is forcing American families to confront end-of-life planning. There are numerous articles on the subject, but NPR published one during the summer of 2020 that made a recommendation that is often overlooked: creating an inventory. My wife, the list maker, established our first inventory 30 years ago when our first child was born.
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Final Expense Life Insurance: Some Additional Considerations
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Final Expense Trust, Transition Documents
CNN underscored recently posted a good article about final expense life insurance. Death care clients have been contacting us more frequently about this type of policy, and we will share some of their issues.
Funeral homes are backing away from the conventional life insurance policy for some of the same reasons. Large life insurance companies…
NY Times: But Mom said everything was taken care of
By Bill Stalter on
We’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…
New York Times: How to Plan Your Own Funeral
By Bill Stalter on
Earlier 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…
Health Care Proxy: Someone with a Backbone
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Power of Attorney, Transition Documents
The 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…
Transition Plans: Family Support
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Power of Attorney, Transition Documents
The 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…
Churches: Conversation Sabbath
By Bill Stalter on
Churches 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:…
Right of Sepulcher: Last Rites Denied
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Right of Sepulcher, Transition Documents
We 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…
Right of Sepulcher: An Attorney’s Error
By Bill Stalter on
Betty 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…