Writing Your Own Obituary as an Addition to Your Estate Plan

An obituary can be much more than an announcement of the time and location of your funeral or memorial service. It can be a way to share your life story, communicate information about significant events and people, and share values you would like to impart to others. You do not need to leave this task for grieving family members to do after you pass away. Instead, you can write your own obituary.

Estate Planning Isn’t Just about Money and Property

When estate planning is mentioned, it is not unusual for a will or a trust to come to mind first. Wills and trusts are among the most common estate planning tools for transferring your belongings and money to your loved ones. But money and property are not the only forms of wealth you have accumulated over your lifetime. You have many stories, lessons, experiences, and values to share. You may also want to acknowledge influential family members and other people who have played an important part in your life. Your obituary is also a great opportunity for you to ensure that you are remembered in the way you wish.

What Should You Include?

Because your obituary is all about you, you can emphasize any aspects of your life you wish. There is no correct format, so you are free to tell your story in the way you feel most comfortable, showcasing your personality. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Important life events: If you would like an opportunity to tell a brief story of your life, your obituary can provide an opportunity for you to highlight the most impactful experiences from your youth into adulthood.

Lessons learned: Most people learn many lessons over the course of their lives, and it is likely that friends and family members can benefit from your experiences. You can include these lessons in your obituary so they will also be available to a wider audience.

Gratitude: You can use your obituary to express gratitude to the people who have played an important and beneficial role in your life. If you are dealing with a long-term or chronic illness, you may wish to thank healthcare providers or caregivers who have gone above and beyond to help you during a difficult time.

History: Times are changing rapidly. You can tell your friends and family about the different periods in history in which you lived and how they impacted you. Writing down your memories will also leave an important historical record for the next generation.

Goodbyes: Your obituary can be a wonderful way for you to say goodbye to friends and family members who may not live near you and are unlikely to be present when you pass away. As sad as it seems, it is invaluable for those who are important to you to know that you have thought of them and have made an effort to express your affection.

Where Should You Store It?

If it is important to you for loved ones to publish the obituary you have prepared, you must preserve and store it properly. The obituary you have written can simply be incorporated as part of your estate plan. By including Memorial Instructions with your estate plan, your wishes for your memorial service or funeral will be given to your executor. If you choose, you can include your obituary, as well. You should store the original version of your obituary in the same safe location as your other estate planning documents, i.e. a fireproof safe or bank lock box. Be sure to let your family, executor, and trustee know where your documents are stored and keep a copy for yourself.

We Can Help

Writing your own obituary in advance can provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you will be remembered in the way you wish. It also enables you to provide your family, friends, and acquaintances with a final message of love. Call us to set up a meeting so we can help you create an estate plan, including memorial instructions. (614) 429-1053.

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