WHAT ARE YOUR FINAL WISHES? Have you thought about how those wishes will be implemented?
One piece of Colorado estate planning involves decisions about final disposition of your remains, and instructions about final services or memorials. Some clients have these decisions already made, and other clients need guidance to think through their options. I have seen a range of instructions—where to be buried, where to have ashes scattered (near or far), who to conduct a memorial service, certain beverages to be served at said service, and sometimes the instructions for privacy and no public service at all. Thinking through these decisions can bring practical questions, too. For example, if your wish is to be cremated and have your ashes scattered somewhere specific, is travel required? How will your loved ones get you to the ocean, or back to the family farm?
Cremated remains can be shipped through the United States Postal Service, but under the following regulations (taken from the USPS website):
451.22 Cremated Remains
The following applies when mailing cremated remains (ashes):
- Domestic: Permitted for cremated human or animal remains only when sent via Priority Mail Express service. The identity of the contents should be marked “cremated remains” (Label 139 preferred) on the address side of the mailpiece. The item must be packaged as required in 451.3b and Packaging Instruction 10B.
- International: When permitted by country, cremated remains may only be sent via Priority Mail Express International service. Cremated remains and the class of service must be available to the destination country. The contents must be indicated on the applicable customs declaration form. Label 139, Cremated Remains, may optionally be applied to the address side of the mailpiece. The item must be packaged as required in 451.3b and Packaging Instruction 10B.
What about flying with cremated remains? In these days of heavy airport security, loved ones don’t want to be stopped at the gate with a prohibited item. The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has their own guidelines for travelling with remains. https://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2004/09/07/tsa-partners-funeral-homes-safely-transport-cremated-remains. Primarily, the guideline emphasizes the use of a see-through container so that screening can take place appropriately. For information about whether cremated remains can be carried on, or placed in checked baggage, travelers should check the requirements of individual airlines. Some airlines require carry-on only.
If you want to know how your loved ones will implement your final wishes, the information is out there. It might take more planning than you thought! If our Douglas County estate planning lawyers can be of assistance, please give us a call at 303-688-3045.
