The truth of the matter is that everyone will die! However, we are all entitled to choose how we die and how our death is celebrated or mourned, and it is important to set out these wishes.

The population of the Country is becoming more diverse and so Wills and Probate practitioners should be both knowledgeable and comfortable when it comes to advising clients about end of life preparations, especially when it comes to the various religions and cultures.

Life learning...

I remember a time very early on in my career when I asked a client of Hindu faith whether they would prefer a burial or cremation when taking instructions for their Will. The client patiently explained to me that Hindus prefer cremation as soon as possible after death and I recall my embarrassment at this faux pas and vowed never to make the same mistake again. This was real life learning – not something you are taught at law school!

I am now much more cautious when discussing death and plans for the great event and am constantly amazed by the diversity of death and dying. Being diverse in this respect includes having an understanding of issues relating to a person’s ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, gender, religious belief and also socio-economic class.

A matter of preference...

Funeral instructions are also a matter of personal preference.  I’ve received Will instructions to include a direction that ashes are scattered on a football pitch, placed into a firework, thrown from the top of Ben Nevis and someone even wanted their ashes to be turned into a shower gel!

Others have requested that a bell is placed in their coffin; that they be taken to the funeral in a wedding dress by a white horse drawn carriage with the horses wearing white plumes and I’ve even had a number of clients wanting to instruct a medical practitioner to verify that they are actually dead and not just having the semblance of death! (I believe the practitioner cuts the artery before the person is buried). Coffins come in all shapes and sizes too... You can even have one made up of photos printed onto cardboard!

Talking to your loved ones and families...

I also encourage clients to talk to their families and loved ones about their funeral wishes to ensure that everyone knows what final arrangements they would like after they die. Although some believe it is morbid to talk about end of life matters; it can be a very important conversation to have. The family may have to make difficult decisions during the dying process and so it can ease this pressure if the funeral plans are in place.

One of the biggest decisions for the family will be whether their loved one is buried or cremated. Both methods have been around for thousands of years and it really is a matter of personal preference.

Although both can be costly, cremation is usually less expensive.  Alternatively, some people choose to donate their bodies for transplant or research purposes  https://www.hta.gov.uk/donating-your-body.

So, during Dying Matters week, I would urge you all to have at least a small think about your death and then have that conversation. “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living” – Marcus Tullius Cicero.

If you would like further information regarding the topics raised in this article then please telephone me on 01332 364436 or e-mail me at j.robinson@timms-law.com.