Your final wishes

By Beth Newcomb

You’ve spelled it out in your will, or told everyone in the family. You want a bagpiper playing “Danny Boy” at your funeral followed by a traditional Irish dinner and green carnations for everyone to throw on your casket. How can you be sure it will happen?

Well, actually, you can’t—unless you have an Appointment of Disposition of Bodily Remains, Funeral Arrangements, and Burial or Cremation Goods and Services document.

“Most people don’t have to worry about their final wishes being carried out,” says Jay Nabors, a Cleveland-based attorney who focuses on estate planning. “But in some instances, you do.”

Take, for example, a situation where there’s a new step-parent involved. You’ve spent your entire life loving and being loved by mom, and you’re certain you know what she would want. In fact, she’s even told you a time or two. Enter the new man in town and he’s got other ideas about how to handle her final arrangements. Who gets the final say? Neither if mom planned in advance and has the appropriate document in place.

“It’s a great thing to have if there’s a chance your family members or loved ones won’t agree on how your arrangements should be handled. Or, if you have very specific wishes, this document is a legally binding way to make sure they’re carried out to the letter.”

Jay is a partner with Weston Hurd LLP. Typically he sees clients at the firm’s office in downtown Cleveland, in addition to meeting with clients in Strongsville upon request. House calls and select evening appointments are available.

To reach Jay Nabors of Weston Hurd LLP, call him directly at 216-687-3205. His office is located at 1301 E. 9th Street, Suite 1900 in downtown Cleveland. Jay can also meet clients at 11221 Pearl Road in Strongsville.