Sections
Progress
1 / 19
Enter the full legal name of this person as it would appear on a legal document.
Enter the full legal name of this person as it would appear on a legal document.
A Funeral and Burial Directive (also called a Pre-Need Funeral Directive or Disposition of Remains Directive) is a legally recognized document in which an individual specifies their wishes for end-of-life care, funeral arrangements, burial or cremation preferences, and the disposition of their remains. Many states grant legal priority to a written directive over the preferences of surviving family members. Without a written directive, families often face painful disputes about burial vs. cremation, the nature of services, and whether the deceased's actual wishes are honored. This document should be signed with a witness and kept with estate planning documents. Fill out this free funeral and burial directive template online, e-sign it digitally, and download a legally valid PDF. no account or lawyer needed. Sections: Your Information, Funeral Wishes.
I, ______________, residing at ______________, born on ______________, being of sound mind and legal capacity, make this Funeral and Burial Directive to express my wishes regarding the care, disposition, and funeral and memorial services for my remains following my death. I intend this document to be legally binding on my family, heirs, and personal representatives to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of ______________.
I designate ______________ (relationship: ______________; phone: ______________) as my designated agent and representative, authorized to carry out the instructions in this Directive, to communicate with funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories on my behalf, and to make any decisions not specifically addressed herein consistent with the spirit of my wishes.
My preference for the disposition of my remains is as follows: ______________. Specific instructions: ______________
My preference for funeral or memorial services is: ______________. Service details and preferences: ______________
I have not pre-selected a funeral home. My representative shall select a licensed funeral home consistent with my preferences and financial means.
I have not specified a particular burial or interment location. My representative shall select an appropriate location consistent with my expressed preferences.
No specific preferences for flowers or tributes. Family should use their discretion.
No specific music preferences. Family should use their discretion.
No additional special instructions.
I request that my funeral and burial expenses be paid from my estate before any distributions to beneficiaries. My executor or personal representative is authorized to pay all reasonable funeral and disposition expenses without court approval. My preference is for a dignified but not extravagant service, consistent with my estate's resources.
This Directive is intended to be legally binding to the extent permitted by applicable state law. If any provision of this Directive cannot be given effect due to applicable law, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. My designated representative shall have the authority to make any decisions necessary to implement my expressed wishes.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this Funeral and Burial Directive on the date written below.
WITNESS ATTESTATION The undersigned witnesses, each of sound mind and at least 18 years of age, hereby attest that the Declarant signed this Directive voluntarily, appeared to be of sound mind, and that neither witness is the designated representative named in this Directive. Witness 1: _________________________ Date: _________ Printed Name: _________________________ Address: _________________________ Witness 2: _________________________ Date: _________ Printed Name: _________________________ Address: _________________________