Archive for the ‘After Death’ Category

Resources to Help Pay for a Funeral

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Resources to Help Pay for a FuneralWhen a loved one passes, funeral planning can be daunting. It is important to make burial arrangements that are respectful to the deceased, yet finding the means to pay for the services isn’t always easy. Fortunately, there are some resources out there that may be able to assist with the cost of planning a funeral. (more…)

Cemetery Visits Provide Healing and Grief Therapy

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Cemetery Visits Provide Healing and Grief TherapyBurial options are more diverse today than they have ever been before. People are opting for everything from traditional cemetery plots and urns to more unusual choices like donation for the advancement of science and medicine. All of these are part of the natural process of passing on, and the decision of which one to choose ultimately rests with the deceased and the family he or she leaves behind.

One important consideration when choosing which type of burial method to use involves taking into account the power of having a place to bereave. The process of grieving the loss of a loved one is a very personalized and individual one. No two people will handle the process in exactly the same way, and there is no real way to prepare for the pain of losing someone you care about. However, one of the features of grief that is almost universal is the power of having someplace you can go to say your goodbyes and heal properly.

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Practice Your Ethical Beliefs with a Green Funeral

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Practice Your Ethical Beliefs with a Green FuneralAs environmental awareness has grown, the idea of green funerals has become more and more appealing to those who wish to lessen their impact on the earth. From green coffins to funeral homes that have adapted an entirely eco-friendly approach, those who choose to live an ecologically responsible lifestyle may be both sur prised and pleased to learn about the variety of green funeral options that continue to emerge.

Green Funeral Options

· Green Coffins: Caskets can create a problem when it comes to planning a green funeral. The heavy, polished wood and metal coffins that are commonly chosen are not easily biodegradable and can significantly inhibit the process of returning ones remains to the earth. So-calle d “green coffins” have a lower impact and biodegrade much more quickly and easily. A number of options are available for those looking for green coffins, with bamboo, cardboard, and jute being good choices. Some choose to forego even a green coffin, opting instead to be buried in only a shroud.

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Legal Issues That May Arise After Death

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Legal Issues That May Arise After DeathThe death of a loved one can be one of the most trying times in a person’s life.  Between planning for the funeral, gathering friends and family together to grieve and dealing with your own emotions, it can undoubtedly be an exhausting and trying time.  However, it’s important to remember that the time after your loved one’s death is crucial to your own financial and legal well-being, and there may be several issues and affairs of the estate that need to be addressed once the funeral is over.

Of course, one of the most common legal issues that arise after the death of a loved one is that of finances, especially when it comes to any debts or unpaid bills that are left behind.  If your loved one leaves behind a will and an estate with clear instructions as to how assets should be allocated, then there shouldn’t be many legal ramifications for you and your relatives.  If there’s no will, however, then it might be a good idea to hire a lawyer and an accountant, as you’ll encounter several legal and financial issues when dividing assets amongst relatives, creditors and lenders.

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Moving On: How To Prepare Yourself For Life After The Death Of A Loved One

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Moving On: How To Prepare Yourself For Life After The Death Of A Loved OneLosing a loved one can be one of the most incredibly trying experiences of a person’s life.  Between funeral planning and alerting relatives and friends to the death, it can often seem like a huge relief once the funeral is finally over.  However, the month after a loved one’s death is a crucial time for settling the deceased’s finances – and for ensuring the protection of your own.  If you need advice on how to financially move on after the death of a spouse, parent or other relative, then read on to find out what you need to know on making the change as smoothly as possible.

One important note: it can often be tempting to push aside sorting out any financial matters in the midst of your grief, so if you need help with any of these steps, enlist the aid of friends and family members.  They’ll provide much-needed emotional support as well as assist you with any legal or financial difficulties you may encounter.  Additionally, contact professionals who can give you the best advice on how to manage your finances and settle any debts that were left behind by a loved one.

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