Who Is Authorized To Make My Funeral Arrangements? Under Michigan law, authorization of funeral arrangements can be made only by the next-of-kin. Their wishes supersede the expressed wishes of the deceased contained in the deceased's will or other written or oral communication. The only exception to this is if the deceased has arranged for his body to be donated to medical science, in which case, by statute, the deceased's wishes must be respected. The personal representative or executor of the estate has no special authority to make funeral arrangements contrary to the wishes of the next-of-kin.
Who Is The Next Of Kin? In general, next-of-kin are determined in the following order: spouse; children; grandchildren; parents; siblings; nieces and nephews; grandparents; aunts and uncles; first cousins. If there are several next-of-kin within the same degree of kinship (for example, the spouse is dead and there are several children living), then most funeral directors will require that all the next-of-kin be in agreement before proceeding. The law has no provision for "majority rule." If problems reaching agreement are anticipated, it is best to work out an understanding or accommodation prior to death in order to avoid delays and legal entanglements once the death has occurred.
What Happens When A Death Occurs At Home? A sudden or unexpected death at home or other private residence when a physician is not present should be reported to the local law enforcement authority immediately. Do not disturb the body. When the police arrive, they will notify the proper authorities for removal of the body. Let the police know your preference of funeral home. Depending on the circumstances of death, it may be required that the remains be first transported to and/or released by the County Medical Examiner. When death at home is anticipated, normally the patient is under Hospice care. When the death occurs, you should contact Hospice. Hospice will often facilitate many of the procedures listed above, including contact with the funeral home of your choice.
What Happens When A Death Occurs Away From Home? If you are traveling (or living away from your home town) immediately contact your home town funeral director who will be able to make the necessary professional contacts for you (including, if necessary, a funeral home in the location of the death), usually within minutes, often avoiding costs resulting from duplication of services.
What Happens When A Death Occurs Overseas? If death occurs in a foreign country, the U.S. Consulate in that country can assist in making arrangements. These arrangements vary in cost and can be very expensive, so be sure to insist upon careful cost estimates. Also be sure to obtain at least ten English translations of the death certificate at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
How Much Does A Funeral Cost? The average funeral in Michigan in 1998, exclusive of cemetery charges, costs about $4,800.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages To Prefunded Funerals? When you purchase an insurance plan sometimes you can purchase the funeral at a "discount" by making a one-time premium payment or you can sometimes pay by installments and have the funeral guaranteed even if death occurs before all the installment payments are made. You should clearly understand the difference between an insurance plan and a trust plan. Under a trust plan, if you cancel the plan, the funeral home may keep no more than ten percent of the trust account. Your receive everything else you have contributed, plus interest. If you cancel an insurance policy, you receive back only the "cash value."
Should you have any further questions regarding funeral arrangements & planning, contact the Nelson Funeral Home at (989) 732-1770 or the Nelson Funeral Home Prearrangement & Planning Center located at 4236 Salling Ave., Suite A., Lewiston, MI 49756. The phone number is (989) 786-7836.

Some information provided by the Michigan Funeral Directors Association.