Funeral Directives
PMA provides forms to make it easier for you to be organized and prepared when a death occurs. Taking the time to fill out your funeral planning forms can save your family a tremendous amount of stress – not to mention potentially save thousands of dollars when the time comes. Be sure to discuss your wishes with your next-of-kin and let them know where your original documents are stored.
- The Ducks Checklist helps you organize all the pieces of your end-of-life plan.
- The Disposition Authorization & Vital Statistics is the most important form for making your funeral choices. This legal document authorizes your choice of cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, burial, or natural organic reduction. Completing this form clearly indicates your wishes for your final resting place. Please note only the person for whom the form is for may sign, not their power of attorney or next-of-kin. If your loved one is unable to sign this document, simply use it as a guide to prepare for the decisions you'll need to make once death occurs. This document can be given to the funeral home when a death occurs.
- The Designated Agent form is another legal document. A Designated Agent is similar to a power of attorney but for funeral arrangements only. This form is useful for those who may wish to have a non-family member, such as a good friend, oversee their funeral arrangements. If you don't expressly name a designated agent, Washington State will defer to this hierarchy to establish your legal next-of-kin:
