This section gives us a starting point to understand your wishes for how your body should be cared for after death and whether you have preferences around a memorial, funeral, or other remembrance.
Your answers here are not final or binding. Many people are unsure, change their minds over time, or prefer to leave decisions to someone they trust. That is completely okay. This section exists to surface what matters to you so it can be addressed thoughtfully in your planning.
If you’d like a deeper discussion of these topics, you may find this resource helpful (optional):
Final Arrangements and Remembrances
An in-depth look at common choices, practical considerations, and how families typically navigate these decisions.
Why we ask about final arrangements
Decisions about final arrangements are often made quickly and during emotionally difficult moments. Even general guidance can help reduce stress, avoid confusion, and ensure that choices align with your values.
We ask these questions to understand:
Whether you have strong preferences or prefer to leave decisions to someone you trust
Whether cultural, religious, military, environmental, or personal considerations are relevant
Whether any advance planning already exists
Your responses help us prepare documents and guidance that are clear and respectful, even if your preferences are broad or still evolving.
Care of your body after death
The first set of questions asks whether you have preferences regarding the care of your body after death, such as burial, cremation, or more sustainable options.
People often have views on this because of:
Family traditions or expectations
Religious or cultural beliefs
Environmental values
Prior experiences arranging services for loved ones
If you are unsure, choosing the option that allows your agent to decide is entirely appropriate.
Memorial, funeral, or remembrance services
You are also asked whether you have any preferences or instructions for a memorial, funeral, or other remembrance service.
Some people:
Have specific wishes about the type of service
Prefer something simple or informal
Want to leave decisions to their family or agent
Answering “yes” does not require that you provide details now. It simply signals that this is something you care about and would like addressed thoughtfully. If you do have specific thoughts, it's best to prepare a word document describing them and sending that to us to discuss further.
Additional preferences you may want to flag
This section includes checkboxes for common situations that may affect final arrangements, including:
Prepaid disposition or funeral plans
Cemetery plot ownership or instructions
Military service honors or burial in a veterans cemetery
Naming a specific agent for the care of your body
Checking one or more of these boxes does not mean you must provide full documentation or final instructions at this stage. It helps us understand what already exists and what should be discussed further.
Naming a specific agent for final arrangements
Some people choose to name a specific person to handle final arrangements, while others prefer that these responsibilities fall to an existing agent or representative. In some cases, the person best suited to carry out final arrangements is not the same person serving as a Health Care Agent. Final arrangements can involve logistics, coordination, follow-through, and planning a funeral or remembrance service—skills that are different from making medical decisions under pressure. It can be helpful to think about who is most likely to carry out your wishes calmly, practically, and reliably.