The Fantastic Funeral Company - end of life planning and celebration




		Frequently Asked Questions FAQs about The Fantastic Funeral Company • Why use The Fantastic Funeral Company? • Can a funeral be 'fantastic'? General FAQs about Funerals and Cremations • Must I have a religious ceremony? • Can I choose where I am buried? • Does my body have to be embalmed? • If I am cremated can I have my ashes scattered where I choose? FAQs about Legal and Financial issues • What is Lasting Power of Attorney? • Who can I choose as my attorney? • What is the difference between a Living Will and a Lasting Power of Attorney? • Will my existing Living Will still be legal if I have a LPA? • Is there a difference between a Living Will and Last Will and Testament? • What difference does my Living Will make to my loved ones? Why use The Fantastic Funeral Company? We take the stress and pressure out of a very difficult time. By listening to your wishes we can plan all aspects of the funeral celebration. Read more about us here. Back to top Can a funeral be 'fantastic'? Although ‘fantastic’ seems an unusual word to describe a funeral the very essence of the occasion is focusing on what has been a unique and individual life. No matter how humble the life might have been, if it has been worth living, it is worth celebrating. Back to top Must I have a religious ceremony? No. You may have whatever you like. You can have a civil ceremony or you can have no ceremony at all. Also, a memorial service can be conducted separately and even at a later date. Back to top Can I choose where I am buried? Yes. The choice is yours, although planning is beneficial. Natural burial sites are becoming increasingly popular. Burial at sea is also possible in certain locations. You can be buried on your own land, but permission has to be granted. Back to top Does my body have to be embalmed? Not by Law. Certain funeral arrangements may deem it necessary as in an open view coffin. If an autopsy is to be performed the vital organs are immersed in embalming fluid before being replaced. Natural burial sites won’t accept embalmed bodies; neither can you be buried at sea. Again, the choice is yours but you should make your wishes clear. Back to top If I am cremated can I have my ashes scattered where I choose? In general you should seek permission. However, if you wish to scatter ashes on your own property you may. Ashes are quickly broken down by the weather and biochemical action. Back to top What is Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) has replaced Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA); however, anyone with an existing EPA need not change it. An LPA is a legal document that you (the Donor) make using a special form. It allows you to choose someone (the Attorney) that you trust to make decisions on your behalf about things such as property and affairs, or personal welfare. The LPA can be used when you no longer wish to make those decisions or when you lack the mental capacity to make the decisions yourself. Anyone completing an LPA must be 18 or over, as must the attorney(s). Back to top Who can I choose as my attorney? An attorney has to be over 18, mentally capable and not bankrupt. They don’t have to live in the UK, but they may have difficulty acting on your behalf if they live abroad. Back to top What is the difference between a Living Will and a Lasting Power of Attorney? In October 2007 the new Lasting Power of Attorney was introduced, replacing the old Enduring Power of Attorney. There are two types of LPA: ‘Property and Affairs’ is to make decisions regarding finances and property and ‘Personal Welfare’ to make decisions about health and personal welfare. A Living Will does not deal with property or finance. Back to top Will my existing Living Will still be legal if I have a LPA? Yes but it must have the following statement added: “The decisions set out in my living will apply, even if my life is at risk as a result”. This must be signed, dated and witnessed. Back to top Is there a difference between a Living Will and Last Will and Testament? Yes. A Living Will is concerned with your health and medical treatment while you are still alive. Whereas, a Last Will and Testament comes into effect after your death. You cannot use a Living Will to discuss your estate or who will inherit what. Back to top What difference does my Living Will make to my loved ones? By organising a Living Will you will be sparing your loved ones from unnecessary anxiety. They will be able to look after you with a clear understanding of your wants and needs. This can help others to cope with your illness because they know they are doing what you want. It can also help the grieving process after death, as there is comfort in the knowledge that all wishes have been met. Back to top Please contact us for further information about any of the FAQ’s or other questions you would like answers to.