Plan Ahead

Thoughtful Planning for Personalized Funeral Arrangements

Why Should I Plan?

Pre-planning is a matter of taking the time to think about – and record – your end-of-life desires. It's a thoughtful gesture to those you love and a way to let go of anxieties about the future. Once done, you can relax, knowing your plans are in place unless you change them.

Making the Decision to Plan Ahead

  • It's easy. No health questions or physical exam is required. Everyone can make pre-planned instructions, and once completed, your plan is placed in our office file until needed.
  • Clearly spells out your wishes for your family.
  • Protects your family from the ravages of inflation when your plan has been or is being pre-paid.

Does Pre-planning Require Pre-payment?

No, but when you do choose to pre-fund your final arrangements, money is placed in a state-approved trust account or top-rated insurance company until required. After your pre-plan is paid for in full, our price is guaranteed, so you will never have to pay more for the items you have already paid for.

Another point worth stressing: When you pre-plan with  Ratterman Springhurst, your plan will go where you go!

No matter where you live at the time of your passing, no matter what funeral home you choose to work with, your plan is transferable to any funeral home in the United States.

Why Pre-plan With  Ratterman Springhurst?

Our plans offer payment options to fit almost every budget, and our dedication to the needs and interests of Louisville families and civic organizations is permanent. Since 1864, that's how it has been! 

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us here.

Online Pre-Planning Form

Pre-Planning Checklist

For many, it feels like there's an overwhelming amount of things to think about! But in all honesty, taking control of the important things in life just feels good; you know it's the right thing to do for you and your family.

Prepare

Laying the foundation for a well-thought-out plan for you or a loved one takes a bit of time, but it's worth every moment spent. After all, you're setting the stage for a more relaxed and enjoyable life because you'll have the peace of mind preparedness brings. Here's what to do to get started:

  • Prepare a contact list of individuals who should be notified in a medical emergency or death.
  • Write an obituary or simply jot down information you would like included in an obituary.
  • Decide where the obituary and memorial information should appear.

Choose the type of service you would like, including the burial you prefer, and make those arrangements. You will need to decide:

  • Cemetery lot location
  • Casket type or cremation urn type
  • Vault or sectional crypt
  • Type of service: religious, military, non-denominational, or fraternal
  • The contact details for the funeral home you designate to care for you
  • Pallbearers, music, flowers, scripture, or other readings
  • Charity to receive donations in lieu of flowers if donations are preferred
  • Select the speakers and the eulogies that you would want to represent you.
  • Decide what organizations or churches will benefit from memorial donations in your name.

Arrange and Delegate

The people who know and care about you will be there when you need them. You only need to provide them with instructions and important financial details, and then relax. You're in good hands.

  • Give your Executor a copy of your Will. Safety deposit boxes are often opened up during the estate settlement process, long after the funeral. Any funeral planning documents therein can be of no help to your executor.
  • Make sure your representative has a list of important account information or telephone numbers for retirement plans, insurance policies, investments, bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, properties, preferred law and accountant firms, and mortuaries. Remind your representative that the Social Security Administration will need to be called, and if you're receiving benefits such as those from the Veteran's Administration, they should be contacted as well.
  • Designate a power of attorney to ensure that proper information can be accessed in the event of your illness or death. Make sure a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will are in place so that your wishes are carried out if you are unable to do so.
  • Make arrangements for telephone and utility services and newspaper and magazine deliveries to be canceled.

Pay for These Items

  • Cemetery and memorialization services
  • Funeral arrangements, including clergy, florist, and transportation
  • Make arrangements for pets to find a new home.

You can also contact us for additional information. We're pleased to answer any questions you may have without obligation.

We’re only a phone call away! Call (502) 749-0233 and let us know how we can help.

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