What Are Last Wishes Documents?

Indiana Funeral Care • August 1, 2022

A last wishes document is how you can tell your loved ones what you want done after you die, like a service or a cremation at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care.

funeral homes Whiteland IN

Everyone dies eventually, so, no matter how uncomfortable it might be, it’s a good idea to be as prepared for the eventuality as possible. Your last wishes are your requests for what you want done after you die, generally regarding funeral or memorial arrangements and final disposition, and a last wishes document is how you can tell your loved ones what you want done after you die, from a cremation service to a funeral at funeral homes Whiteland, IN


It’s always best to tell your loved ones about these wishes in addition to writing them down. That way you can make sure they understand what you want, and they can ask any questions they may have. Here are some common last wishes questions and their answers to give you more information on these important documents. 


To begin, what should you include in a last wishes document? Your last wishes can include anything you want, including funeral or cremation preferences and plans, body disposition preferences, obituary information, messages to your loved ones, requests for your final days, and personal information like where your will is. Some people also choose to include what they want for the time leading up to their death as well, like who they want to see, if they want to pass at home or at a care facility, or even what they want their surroundings to be like in a last wishes document. Is a last wishes document the same as an advance directive? Advanced directives are legal documents that details someone’s wishes when they are terminally ill. 


Last wishes are not legally binding and deal more with how you would like to be remembered, what you would like to say to your loved ones, and other practical things. How do you make a last wishes document? You don’t need to do anything fancy to write down your last wishes. The document should include your name, the details you want your loved ones to know, and who you want to tell them to. It can be a few sentences or several pages, typed and printed, or just written down in a notebook. Just be sure it’s kept in a safe place and that the people it addresses know about it and where it is. Are last wishes the same as a will? Last wishes are not wills. Wills are legal documents that deal with your estate, belonging, or finances, while last wishes are non-legal documents that deal with the funeral or service arrangements. 


It also does not make sense to include your last wishes in your will as the will is generally read after the funeral, thereby making your last wishes useless. Finally, are last wishes legally binding? Last wishes documents are not legally binding, but most family members or loved ones at least feel morally obligated to see your wishes done. 


We are here to help if you want to learn more about last wishes or Whiteland, IN funeral homes. Call or visit us today for more information on what we can do for you in your time of preplanning or of loss. 


cremation services Whiteland IN
March 24, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care emphasizes respectful and personalized cremation ceremony options, ensuring a dignified experience for families in their time of need.
funeral homes Whiteland IN
March 17, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care's insight on funeral etiquette and traditions in creating meaningful services, ensuring families feel supported during their time of need.
cremation services Greenwood IN
March 10, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care offers dignified and sustainable cremation options that honor your loved ones respectfully while embracing eco-friendly practices.
funeral homes Greenwood IN
March 3, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care provides dedicated funeral services and comprehensive grief counseling options to support you and your family through the healing journey.
cremation services Franklin IN
February 24, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care provides a respectful look into cultural perspectives on cremation. Discover how we honor traditions through understanding and compassion.
funeral homes Franklin IN
February 17, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care helps families honor loved ones with meaningful and personalized funeral ceremonies that reflect the unique lives and relationships shared.
funeral homes Whiteland IN
February 3, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care crafts memorable life celebrations, fostering cherished memories with a sensitive approach while prioritizing family and dignified service.
cremation services Greenwood IN
January 27, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care focuses on providing dignified cremation services while emphasizing modern funeral practices to meet diverse family preferences and needs.
funeral homes Greenwood IN
January 20, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care explores how understanding funeral traditions can create meaningful goodbyes, offering compassionate services for your family's needs.
cremation services Whiteland IN
January 15, 2025
Indiana Funeral Care provides thoughtful ways to personalize memorials, ensuring a meaningful tribute to your loved one while offering compassionate guidance.
More Posts
Share by: