Can I Plan My Own Funeral in Maryland?

 Posted on September 12, 2024 in Estate Planning

While death is inevitable, it is also something that people generally prefer not to think about. However, some find that planning for that part of the future can give them an incredible amount of peace of mind. When there is a clear funeral plan in place, you get the sendoff you want while saving your loved ones from the trouble of scrambling to make decisions and arrangements. If you are considering planning your own funeral, speak with an experienced Silver Spring, MD estate planning attorney to learn more.

Benefits of Planning Your Funeral

• Customization: Some people have clear ideas about how they would like their funeral to be. Influenced by religious beliefs, cultural preferences, and other factors, you can customize your funeral to suit your personality.
• Conflict prevention: When you take all the guesswork out of planning your future, you help your loved ones avoid fighting over decisions, at a time that is already emotional and tense.
• Cost-effectiveness: Paying for your funeral in advance has two main financial benefits. First, your loved ones will not have to pay for the costs because you have already taken care of them. Second, funeral services are subject to the same inflation rates as anything else, so paying in advance generally means paying less.

What Are the Maryland Laws about Pre-paying Funeral Expenses?

According to Maryland law, if you appoint a personal representative, they can reimburse up to $15,000 of funeral expenses from your estate without needing court approval. These expenses might include the funeral, cremation, burial, memorial service, and food and beverages provided at a pre-funeral or post-funeral gathering.

You also have two options for paying for your funeral in advance:

• Trust-funded pre-need contract: You can place the money to cover your funeral expenses in a trust rather than paying the funeral service provider directly. The contract is overseen by the Maryland Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors.
• Insurance-funded pre-need contract: You can set up a "pre-need" or "funeral" insurance policy, which will be regulated by the Maryland Insurance Association.

In addition to the financial guidelines for preplanning a funeral, there are many other regulations in Maryland law about funerals including who is authorized to transport your remains, where you can be legally buried, and more. As you start thinking about your funeral plans, consult with a reliable attorney who can help you avoid any complications down the line.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Silver Spring, MD Funeral Planning Attorney

If you are ready to plan your funeral, speak with a compassionate Bethesda, MD estate planning lawyer who can handle your arrangements with sensitivity and reliability. At The Eleff Law Group, we are dedicated to seeing our clients’ last wishes fulfilled. Our team can help you navigate the relevant legal restrictions to help prevent any complications for the loved ones you leave behind. Call us at 301-857-1990 to schedule a free consultation.