When is it Okay to Go Against the Wishes of the Deceased?
When is it Okay to Go Against the Wishes of the Deceased?
The funeral planning industry encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own death and funeral plans. From fully prearranged funerals with every detail laid out and paid for, to funeral checklists and apps that outline individual wishes, it is all about making your wishes known and easing the burden on your family after you are gone.
But there are times when funeral plans do not make things easier on the family. In fact, some funeral wishes—especially those that cost a lot of money or go against tradition—can make things more difficult. This is especially true if there was any dissention in the family prior to death occurring.
This poses a complex question for the individual in charge of funeral plans. Is it more important to honor the wishes of the deceased—whatever they are—or is it better to plan a funeral that the whole family can approve of and afford?
Strange Funeral Requests
Unusual funeral requests can take on a variety of formats. Some people want to be cremated and have their ashes buried in a pet cemetery near a beloved pet—an undertaking that might offend the more religious and traditional family members, but otherwise harms no one. Others might wish to have their casket paraded down Main Street to the accompaniment of a marching band—an undertaking that definitely comes with its complications.
Other requests might be more subtle. For example, grandma might wish to be buried with her wedding ring, despite the fact that it is quite valuable and several relatives would like to have it. Your father might ask that his brother (with whom he has had a lifelong feud) not be allowed to attend the funeral. Your uncle might want to be laid to rest in a casket he crafted with his own two hands rather than something from the funeral home.
These kinds of requests are difficult to navigate unless strict arrangements have been made ahead of time, whether the arrangements are financial, legal, or otherwise set in stone. And because it is not always legal for wills to “require” that bizarre conditions are met before money is disbursed, it is usually up to the family left behind to make judgment calls regarding these wishes.
Although every situation is different, here are a few times when it is acceptable to ignore a funeral wish:
- When it puts someone in danger
- When the cost exceeds the amount of money left behind for the task
- When it is offensive or may cause a rift in the family
- When it is illegal or against burial codes
- If the majority of family members agree not to do it
- After talking to the estate lawyer/funeral director/other professional
Of course, you need to be prepared for the emotional toll that going against a funeral wish might cause. In addition to the guilt of not meeting the deceased’s wishes, you might also have to deal with family members and friends who disagree with your choice. The lingering emotional effects could last long after the funeral.
Please share your thoughts on this article
Related articles
How to Do Your Hair for a Funeral
Although what you wear to a funeral is important in showcasing your respect for the deceased and his or her family, it’s equally important to pay attention to your hair. As is the case with any semi-formal gathering, it’s the overall image you pr... more »
What Type of Wood Should I Choose for the Casket?
For the typical U.S. burial, an estimated one-third of families opt for wood caskets. Unlike their metal counterparts, wood caskets aren’t pitched as offering high preservation qualities, and instead are chosen for their lower cost and general ... more »
Funeral Planning: The Realities of Cremation
If you’re considering cremation as a funeral planning option for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to have all the facts first. Although cremation is growing in popularity as a low-cost and environmentally-friendly way to say goodbye to tho... more »
