Funeral anticipation: an act of kindness and responsibility
Death is one of the few universal subjects that our modern society strives to hide. Yet refusing to think about it only shifts the burden onto those left behind. When a death occurs without any preparation, relatives must organize the funeral within a legal period of onlysix daysIn France. In the midst of mourning and under the influence of emotion, they are forced to make dozens of complex decisions: choice of burial or cremation, selection of the coffin, type of ceremony, choice of cemetery and urgent administrative procedures.
Taking the time to **organize your funeral while you are alive** is not a morbid gesture. It is, on the contrary, an act of deep kindness towards your spouse, your children and your loved ones. It is the assurance that your most intimate wishes will be scrupulously respected, while avoiding painful choices for your family at the most difficult time of their existence.
Funeral planning: how to finance your funeral during your lifetime?
The first part of organizing your funeral is financing. With an average national cost of between €3,500 and €5,000, paying these costs in advance helps protect the family budget. Two main forms of **funeral insurance** coexist in France, today arousing growing interest among families concerned about their future:
The capital funeral contract
This specific life insurance contract allows you to build up savings dedicated solely to financing your funeral. Upon your death, the accumulated capital is paid directly to the designated beneficiary (a trusted person or directly to a funeral home) upon presentation of the funeral invoice. The advantage is financial simplicity, but this formula does not guarantee logistical organization and does not protect against inflation in the costs of services.
The funeral contract in terms of services: absolute security
Considered the most complete and secure solution, the service contract combines a financial component (capital) with an ultra-detailed logistical component. In partnership with a funeral operator, you determine in advance every detail of the ceremony:
- The choice between cremation (cremation) and burial (burial).
- The precise model of coffin and funeral urn.
- The type of ceremony (civil or religious) and the choice of texts or music.
- The final destination of your body or ashes (concession, columbarium or dispersion).
The funeral operator undertakes by contract to scrupulously carry out these services on the day, thus protecting your loved ones against any increase in prices or unforeseen decisions.
How to organize your funeral logistically and write your wishes?
Beyond the financial aspect, writing your last wishes is essential to guide your loved ones. In France, the law of November 15, 1887 on freedom of funerals guarantees every citizen the right to decide on the conditions of their funeral. Anyone who violates your written wishes is subject to heavy criminal penalties.
Writing your essential choices
We advise you to record your choices in writing in a dated and signed document (a funeral will). This document must address:
- The method of burial:Would you like to be buried or cremated?
- The type of ceremony:Do you prefer an intimate, civil tribute or a religious ceremony? Would you like specific music, flowers, donations to associations rather than wreaths?
- Organ harvesting:Reminder your position on donating organs and your body to science.
Golden rule:do not keep this document in a safe at the bank or at a notary without notifying anyone, because the will is often not opened until *several weeks* after the burial. It must be immediately accessible to a trusted person at the time of death.
Comparing funeral quotes
To calmly anticipate the financial aspect, do not hesitate to request several **funeral quotes** during your lifetime. The prices of funeral directors being completely free, the differences can vary from simple to triple for predictable services. Compare the lines of administrative costs, convoy and accessories to choose the service provider offering the fairest and most ethical service.
The transmission of memories and emotional heritage
Preparing for your physical departure is an essential administrative and financial process. But what about your human, intellectual and emotional heritage? Who will pass on your childhood memories, your secret recipes, your life advice to your grandchildren, or your messages of love to your spouse?
Classic funeral contracts end at the cemetery. This is where **Posterity** reinvents anticipation. Alongside your logistical planning, Posterity offers you a high-end digital safe to organize your **emotional will**. Thanks to the Posterity Pass at €139 (a one-time payment, without any lifetime subscription), you can create a secure time capsule, record your voice, your captioned photos and write intimate letters. These spiritual treasures will be passed on to your designated beneficiaries in a completely secure manner at the precise moment of your departure. Anticipating your physical departure is necessary; perpetuating one's soul and voice for future generations is a privilege of eternity.
