Planning Ahead

The Advantages of Planning Ahead
The idea behind planning ahead is simple. One day, a great deal of vital information about you or a loved one will be needed by your family and anyone whose responsibility it is to assist them.

Those who plan ahead can be assured that, not only will their personal wishes be fulfilled, but other unnecessary difficulties will be avoided.

Both you and your loved ones will benefit when funeral arrangements are made well ahead of need. By discussing plans in advance, you can take all the time necessary to make the best decisions about the type of ceremony and the burial procedures preferred.

A carefully pre-planned funeral service can also be the most comforting to your family members, as it spares them from facing decisions that can be both emotionally and financially difficult at a time of death.

In addition, it gives them the peace of mind of knowing they've acted in accordance with your wishes. We encourage you to discuss your thoughts and decisions with your family and with Timothy P. Doyle your funeral service professional.

The Importance of Making a Will
No matter what age or financial situation, every adult should have a will. A legally binding document that can prevent a great deal of difficulty for your survivors, a will insures that distribution of assets will take place according to your wishes. When no will has been drawn up, the distribution of assets must be carried out by an administrator appointed by the court in accordance with the State Statue of Descent. In such an event, it is unlikely that the assets would be distributed to the persons you desire or in the proportions you would choose.

In making your will, you should name an executor of your estate. Because he or she will be responsible for filing with the court and carrying out the provisions of your will, the executor should be someone with whom you feel completely confident.

Wills may be contested due to legal technicalities that may have been overlooked when prepared by someone inexperienced. For this reason, the service of a competent attorney is recommended both in drawing up the will and in settling the estate.

The Value of a Funeral
A funeral service fills several important needs in today's society. First of all, it provides for the dignified and respectful care of the deceased. It's a special tribute to a unique life.

Equally important, the funeral service helps the survivors face the reality of death ... the first big step toward overcoming the grief.

Together, close friends and relatives can lend support and consolation when they're needed most.

A funeral gives friends and relatives an opportunity to express the love and respect they feel for someone who was important to them. Many times, just seeing how much others cared can be a tremendous help to a family in adjusting to their loss.

We will work to accommodate any special requests that might add more meaning or personalization to a funeral service.

Choosing a Casket
The selection of a casket is a very important element in preplanning a funeral. As a consumer, you are entitled to the information you need to make a fully informed choice.

Caskets are available in various styles, with numerous design features that cover a wide price spectrum.

Of the many casket styles, there are primarily two types: metal and wood. Metal caskets offer beauty, strength and protection. Hardwood caskets reflect the choice of families who appreciate and cherish the qualities of natural wood.

Timothy P. Doyle will make certain you feel comfortable with your casket selection. Please don't hesitate to ask for any additional information.

Selecting a Cemetery Lot
Because so many aspects should be considered when purchasing a cemetery lot, it's especially important to discuss the options well in advance of need. Questions you should ask when deciding on the lot are:

• Does the lot meet the requirements of your religious preference?
• What restrictions are placed on types of monuments and burial vaults?
• 
  Does the price include perpetual care and maintenance?

Are lots available in the same location to provide for burial of the entire family?

If you have any questions about selecting a cemetery lot, please feel free to ask us.

Benefits
It is unfortunate but true that many families do not receive the benefits to which they are entitled. All too often, the survivors are unaware of the claims and benefits that apply in their situations.

Social Security
When a person who has died has worked under Social Security, his dependents and survivors may be eligible for certain benefits such as Death Payment, Survivor's Benefits and Medicare Benefits. These benefits are not automatically paid and must be applied for.

Veterans Benefits
Honorably discharged veterans and their families may be entitled to a number of special benefits following the death of a veteran. These may include plot allowance, burial allowance, headstone, death pension and burial flag. Since there are many different benefits and qualifications for each, it's best to discuss your particular situation with us personally.

Purchasing Monuments and Memorials
After you've determined what, if any, restrictions apply to monuments at the cemetery you've chosen, you will be able to select an appropriate memorial. Bear in mind that quality, material and craftsmanship are all important considerations in selecting any permanent memorial. We will be happy to assist you in making an appropriate selection.

Financial Arrangement
There is no obligation for the preplanning of one's funeral to the extent that you record your wishes and leave it with us. However, in most states, where permitted, many people do choose at the same time to set funds aside for these future services, either in part or in full. We will gladly discuss and arrange any payment plan to suit your family's individual situation. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have or to discuss any options that would be convenient for you.