Richmond, IN asked in Estate Planning for New York

Q: What form do I need for legally-binding after-death instructions?

I want to leave legally-binding instructions for how my body should be treated and how my burial should go. The more I refresh my knowledge of wills the more it seems like perhaps I need something else. What do I need? It has to be legally-binding and not cost me thousands of dollars. Thanks

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2 Lawyer Answers
Benjamin Z. Katz
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Answered

A: Generally those instructions are made part of your Will. If you don’t want to draft a new Will you can add a codicil to the Will. If you leave separate instructions or set up a burial fund it would not be legally binding unless referenced in you Will. Neither a new Will nor a codicil should cost you thousands.

A: Your will can include this information. Make sure your executor is on board with what you want.

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