When you contemplate the implications of your mortality you may ask yourself how you could give something back to the world as a whole as a parting gift. There are those who engage in philanthropic efforts to this end, and you can discuss ways to weave charitable giving into your legacy plan with your estate planning lawyer.

Another thing to consider would be to become a tissue, eye, and/or organ donor. Medical science is capable of doing some amazing things these days, and transplants are saving lives. Of course, organs are necessary to make transplants possible and donors are always going to be needed. In fact, people die every day who are on transplant lists because of a shortage of available organ donors.

And in addition to transplants, the medical community can sometimes utilize donations to further the cause of medical science and this too can wind up saving lives eventually.

With a living will you state whether or not you would want to be kept alive via the use of artificial measures should you be in an irreversible, terminal condition and unable to communicate. You could add your wishes with regard to your desire to become an organ donor as part of your living will.

Another thing that you may want to consider would be to add your name to the organ donor registry, and you can do so by following this link: South Carolina Organ Donor Registry.

To learn more about how you may be able to make a lasting mark in the broader community, make an appointment to discuss the possibilities with a licensed and experienced South Carolina estate planning lawyer.

Kuhn & Kuhn Law Firm is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

For some people, making funeral arrangements is part of the estate planning process.  It is never too early to plan ahead and your estate planning attorney can guide you through the funeral arrangement process.

1.  Pre-planned funerals

To ensure that your personal wishes are met, pre-plan your funeral with the funeral home of your choice.  You can choose everything:  cremation or not, burial site, grave marker, memorial or funeral service, music, flowers, speakers, and reception.

This can all be planned and paid for in advance.  This ensures you get the service you want and eases the burden from your loved ones’ shoulders.

2.  Irrevocable burial trust

You have the option of funding an irrevocable burial trust through a bank or funeral home.  While this is not actual payment or arrangements of funeral arrangements, it will ensure that your loved ones will have the funds available to pay for the services and burial that you desire.

3.  Do NOT put your funeral arrangements in your will

Typically, wills are not read until after funeral services have taken place.  If you place your desired funeral arrangements in your will, they may be discovered too late to honor your wishes.

4.  Chat with your loved ones

While you are alive and well, let your loved ones know of your funeral wishes and where you have placed written instructions or pre-planned funeral arrangements.  Your loved ones may have questions or even objections that you can address.

5.  Be as creative, or traditional as you desire

Some people want their ashes spread at sea, on the beach, or under a favorite tree; others want to be buried in the family plot or to have their ashes placed in an urn.  It is wise to check with a qualified estate planning attorney to ensure the legality of your plan.

Kuhn & Kuhn Law Firm is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.