What is a Disposal of Last Remains?

No one likes to think about death – especially their own. However, it’s entirely possible that you have attended a funeral, memorial service or celebration of life where you felt uncomfortable with the process or the setting – silently thinking that you would have done things differently. If you want to have control over how others say their goodbyes to you in a formal or planned setting, it is important to fill out a Disposition of Last Remains document.

The Colorado Declaration of Disposition of Last Remains form allows you to make decisions such as:

• How your body will be handled after you pass away: buried, cremated, entombed, etc.
• Ceremonial arrangements: funeral, memorial service, celebration of life, religious or non-religious ceremony, burial site, etc.
• Special instructions: donations to charity in lieu of flowers, no black at your service, no open casket, ceremony to be held at a specific location, instructions for cremated remains, graveside service, etc.
• Organ and tissue donation: specific instructions that any needed organs or tissues can be made an anatomical gift to a person in need or only specifically named organs or tissues

You can specify that a certain individual or group of people make all of the arrangements for your ceremony. If your ideas change over time and you wish to updated the form, you will be able to revoke or amend the Declaration in writing at any time.

All of this advance preparation will be extremely helpful for the loved ones you leave behind. You will have made these types of difficult decisions for them – one less stress they will have to endure while they are grieving. It’s just one more way to show your loved ones how much you care for them.

If you would like to learn more about Disposal of Last Remains forms or create one for yourself, contact the Denver will lawyers at The Brown Law Firm, LLC to help you with the funeral planning process. You may wish to include this form as part of your comprehensive estate plan. Our team can help you think through all of the options that exist. Call (303) 339-3750 or send us a message online to learn more.