Expert: Lisa Carlson - 11/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am 70 years old. I live in the uppe peninsula of michigan. I have no family or anyone to take care of my cremation after death. I have 2 small insurance policies to take care of the cremation (2000 dollars each) I am poor and have no money or assets. I have no one to trust. All my family and friends have preceeded me in death. How can I be sure that my insurance goes to pay for my cremation and last wishes. I have checked and been told that in the western upper peninsula where I live, cremation cost is 2000 dollars plus permits and death certificates etc. Can cremation be paid by naming a FD as beneficiary. I do not intend to have a funeral. I want my remains taken directly to crematory if possible. Any suggestions are appreciated.

ANSWER: Who will find your body if you die at home? Who will clean out your apartment or house? Do you belong to a church with any trusted church friends? Yes, you could name a funeral home as beneficiary, but it may be better to name a trusted friend as beneficiary with written directions as to your cremation wishes in a will and then make sure your friend has a copy of the will. A hand-written will or something you download from the internet should do, tho' you may want to check with a lawyer. With two such policies, it sounds as if there would be enough money left over to pay that person for cleaning up your affairs.

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QUESTION: is there any estimates you could give me on the cost of transporting a body after death within the state (michigan)? Would it be more expensive by air or ground?
...thank you...

Answer
Small airports may not have planes large enough to accept a crated body, so I'm guessing ground transport from the Upper Peninsula is most practical. I have no idea where the nearest crematory is. Traverse City? You will probably want to ask around and get a variety of quotes.