Reasons to Consider Pre-Planning
Pre-planning provides peace of mind for your entire family. A carefully pre-planned service can be most comforting to everyone involved, as it spares them from having to face decisions that can be emotionally difficult at the time of death. It can also give them lasting peace of mind to know that they have acted in accordance with your wishes.
Making pre-arrangements can be as simple or as detailed as you wish. You may make specific directions regarding service arrangements, disposition, casket, flowers, etc. or simply record the information that will be needed for legal forms and other paperwork. Although not required, many people choose to set aside funds that will cover their future funeral and final expenses. We offer trust programs that allow you to control costs and avoid emotional overspending. Advance planning permits you to make wise personal choices, in writing, knowing that your instructions will be carried out.Facts about Funeral Trusting
Security
When pre-funding a funeral, Wisconsin law requires that 100% of your money be deposited in a special trust fund. No fees or commissions are permitted. All accounts are fully insured to the extent permitted by law and the FDIC.
Convenience
You can make pre-need funeral arrangements in our funeral home or in the comfort, privacy and security of your own home. A trust plan need not be fully funded when opened and can be started with any amount of money.
Transferability
In the event you move from our area or choose to use another funeral home, your trust plan is completely transferable.
Modification
You may modify your pre-need funeral plan at any time, without any charge or penalty from the funeral home.
What if you are applying for SSI/Medical Assistance?
If you or someone in your family will be applying for assistance under one of these programs, a knowledgeable funeral director will be able to guide you through the special requirements of this situation. Federal and state laws provide that properly trusted funds, intended for the payment of funeral expenses, will not be considered as an asset when eligibility for benefits is determined. In these cases, properly setting aside monies for final expenses is extremely important. Note: Wisconsin and Michigan law mandates that all recipients of entitlement programs, when pre-funding funerals, use an Irrevocable Funeral Trust.
| General Services | Facilities | Cremation | Pre-Planning | Obituaries | Hansen-Onion-Martell Funeral Home, Inc. • James Martell ©2006 Hansen-Onion-Martel Funeral Home, Inc.Design & hosting - 3W Design Group, Inc. |