From Our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Viking Specific Funeral Directives

Most Recently Updated August 10, 2018.

“I am proud of my Norse heritage, and at my death, I want a Viking Funeral. My husband said he would not carry out my wish. How do I make my family give me a Viking Funeral?”

Viking Funeral Ship

Viking Specific Funeral Directives

It’s Your Funeral, Make Sure You Get What You Want!

If you fail to assign legal authority to execute your funeral arrangments specifically, the state decides for you. In your case, your husband would likely have the final say in your funeral arrangements. If that person doesn’t wish to carry out your wishes, then your requests will probably be ignored.

Use a Funeral Directive.

Don’t let the state decide for you.  Use a Funeral Directive to select the right person.

Usually part of your Will, a Funeral Directive appoints someone the legal authority to carry out your funeral plan. This authority includes arranging a memorial as well as controlling the guest list.  Further, your Funeral Director decides the manner you are laid to rest.

You are not bound to select your husband as Funeral Director.  Pick a person who is diplomatic and strong-willed enough to bring your wish to fruition despite your husband’s reluctance.  Have an experienced Estate Planning Attorney document your wishes and grant your nominee adequate legal authority.

For more information, read my Article Funeral Directives: Everything You Need to Know.

No Money, No Viking Funeral! Your Estate Plan Must Include Paying for Your Funeral.

After you have died, your heirs have a choice of paying for your funeral or inheiting that money.  Some heirs can’t resist the temptation of spending your money on themselves rather than your funeral.  If you have something specific planned, such as a Viking Funeral, a large memorial or even a huge party for your friends, your Funeral Director must have access to adequate funds.

For example, let’s say you give all your money to a child using TOD (Transfer on Death). Then your child receives the inheritance outside of your Will.  Your executor will have no access to those funds.  Under these facts, without your child voluntarily paying the bill the Director is penniless.  You have left the executor no money to hold a memorial service or a Viking funeral.

In your example, if you and your husband have only joint accounts he can claim all the funds. This leaves nothing for your Viking Funeral.  Work with your Estate Planning Lawyer to have adequate resources available.

More Planning Questions?

Viking Specific Funeral Directives is only a piece of the Estate Planning process. By all means, if you want to learn more, please read my more detailed article, Estate Planning Everything You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Viking Specific Funeral Directives

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining Viking Specific Funeral Directives. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website so you can learn more. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Estate Planning lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced estate planning lawyers.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to make the process as painless as possible!

Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Estate Litigation, It’s All We Do!

Author, Peter Klenk, Esq.

Throughout our website, klenklaw.com, you may find more information about Estate Planning. Also, our firm focuses exclusively in the area of estate planning, probate, and the litigation surrounding estate planning and probate.  This includes Will Contests and Will Challenges. Therefore, if you need assistance with any estate related matter call one of our Experienced Estate Planning Lawyers for a free consultation. We practice throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida.

Estate Planning Attorney, Tatyana Gleyzer.