What is the most often ignored basic end of life consideration in your elder law practice? by Kurt R. Bachman

Everyone should eventually plan for the end of life by making sure all end-of-life expenses (funeral, burial, etc.), debts, and assets will be addressed as desired. Inadequate or inaccessible liquidity seems to be the most prevalent culprit either because the deceased did not have enough available resources; or quite often those resources are left outside the estate to beneficiaries who refuse to contribute to those expenses. Planning for end-of-life expenses means making sure your personal representative, executor, or Trustee have clear instructions and access to available funds at death. Otherwise, illiquid assets such as real estate and personal property must be sold to cover those expenses which takes time and adds difficulty. In addition, in order for end-of-life expenses to be addressed as desired, clients and their family typically need to consider the following. The prepayment of burial and funeral expenses can lessen the burden on the family during the dying process and such payments are generally exempt from Medicaid eligibility considerations.