Authorization for Final Disposition
Digital Planning Podcast: Funerals360
This is the second of three articles addressing the topic of what needs to be done when a spouse or loved one passes away. My last article addressed the immediate things that need to be done prior to the decedent’s funeral...more
This is my third and final article addressing what needs to be done after a person passes away. Part 1 addressed what a person needs to do prior to the decedent’s funeral. Part 2 addressed those things that don’t typically...more
Dear Jonathan: Can you provide a general summary of what needs to be done when a person’s spouse or loved one passes away? Jonathan: When a spouse or loved one dies there are many things that need to be addressed by the...more
On December 29, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed, for a second time, the Grieving Families Act (the Act), a proposed amendment to New York’s wrongful death statute; that statute remains unchanged....more
The pen is mightier than the sword — especially a pen held by a sitting governor. Currently sitting on the desk of New York’s governor is a piece of proposed legislation known as the “Grieving Families Act” which, if signed...more
Many think estate planning is only a concern for those who are later in their stage of life or wealthy. They put it off for years, or entirely. Estate planning is for everyone and essential to maintain financial security...more
Many clients wonder who is responsible for planning their funeral, selecting burial or cremation, and making other arrangements after their death. Some clients ask what happens if family members disagree about these matters....more
Estate Planning Attorney Shanna Yonke explores Wisconsin’s default law regarding who gets to make decisions regarding the disposition of your body, funeral arrangements, and other matters that arise after your death. She...more
New York State is on the verge of legalizing human composting. The bill (Assembly Bill A382 and the Senate version, Senate Bill S5535) overwhelmingly passed the Assembly (61 aye/2 nay) and Senate (64 aye/2 nay). It is...more
The services following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II might have many of us thinking about our own estate planning. One striking piece of information about Her Majesty was that she had planned out many...more
As in other sectors of the economy, there is a labor shortage in the funeral industry. However, unlike other fields in which the demand for workers is outpacing supply, the interest in joining the ranks of the funeral...more
COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic that has impacted all aspects of normal life. To defray expenses for those hit the hardest by COVID-19, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reimbursing funeral...more
There May Be Assistance with Funeral Expenses through FEMA - As the number of Covid diagnoses are again on the rise, many families are dealing with the death of a loved one caused by the coronavirus. Those same families...more
On April 12, 2021, FEMA began providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. In order to be eligible for funeral assistance, the following three conditions must be...more
While a will is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have, there are things that it won’t cover. A will is just one part of a comprehensive estate plan. A will is a legally-binding statement...more
The Digital Planning Podcast is designed to educate individuals about all things digital in connection with estate planning, business planning and estate administration. Your hosts, Jennifer Zegel, Ross Bruch and Justin...more
Those of us who watched AMC’s hit drama “Breaking Bad” may recall the scene in the pilot episode where Walt and Jesse set out to dissolve a dead body in hydrofluoric acid. Jesse neglects to take Walt’s (the chemistry...more
The days following a loved-one’s death is a time for mourning and reflection. Unfortunately, during this already-difficult time, decisions must be made quickly concerning the disposition of the deceased person’s body. ...more
How can you make sure your funeral and burial wishes will be carried out after you die? It is important to let your family know your desires and to put them in writing. Just don’t do it in your will....more
Funerals rank among the most expensive purchases many consumers will ever make. A traditional funeral costs about $7,000, although "extras" like flowers, obituary notices, acknowledgment cards and limousines can bring the...more
15 Australian workers have been killed so far in 2016, and based on statistics below, an additional 175 people may die in work related incidents this year....more
Have you ever considered paying in advance for your funeral/burial expenses to save your loved ones the financial burden? If your finances allow you to do so, pre-paying for funeral/burial services is an efficient and...more
Requests for reasonable accommodations are commonplace for employers of qualified individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. But a recent case reminds employers that reasonable accommodation of...more
We often counsel employers to be wary of employment law considerations in situations that may not seem obvious at first glance. For example, prohibiting employees from using certain language on social media sites has proven...more