When someone dies, their loved ones are often left with a lot of questions. What do we do now? How do we handle the funeral? Who makes the decisions? One of the most important decisions that need to be made is how to handle the legal aspects of death. This can be a confusing and daunting task, but don’t worry, we are here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss the various legal aspects of funeral planning and answer all of your questions!
Who Has the Legal Authority to Make Funeral Arrangements?
Who has the legal authority to make funeral arrangements when someone dies?
Even though it might appear to be a straightforward question, when families are attempting to make funeral arrangements during the difficult period immediately after a death, it can become complicated. If family members live far away from each other, this process can become even more involved. Almost every family will need to think about this issue at some point.
Read more to get answers to questions like, “Did the deceased designate someone to make decisions about funeral arrangements?” and “What happens when there is no one to make arrangements?”
Read more about legal authority
Legal Terms to Know About Funerals
To help you understand some of the terms and distinctions, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions before and after the funeral.
What’s the difference between a living will and a trust? What is a power of attorney for? What are the key functions of a will?
Read more about the legal terms
Understanding Veterans Burial Benefits
When burying a veteran in a national cemetery, the VA veterans burial allowance provides funds for the following expenses:
- Burial and funeral expenses
- An allowance for the plot internment
- Transportation of the veteran’s remains
Learn more about the legalities of Veterans’ burial benefits
Green Burials in Virginia
Green burials are an increasingly popular way to lay a loved one to rest. These eco-friendly funerals have certain restrictions that may need to be taken into consideration. In Virginia, green burials must meet all legal requirements set forth by the state in order for them to take place.
Where can I have a green burial in Virginia?
Resources for Understanding Cremation
Learn about the legal cremation process in Virginia, what to expect when choosing cremation, and the process for assessing the cremains (the remains of the body).
