Family members may have conflicting beliefs when it comes to planning funeral arrangements. This can often lead to tension and unproductive disputes during an already emotionally charged time. To help mitigate these disagreements and work through them in a healthy manner, here’s a helpful guide.

Advice for Planning Funeral Arrangements Amidst Family Tension

Foster Communication

When tensions and emotions are heightened in the midst of such an important decision, communication is key. Listen intently to your family members, respect everyone’s feelings, and focus on having calm, measured conversations in order to reach an agreement. Talking through issues is a more effective solution than singling people out or shutting them out completely. It’s also important to accept that your loved one’s wishes may not correlate with your own. Regardless of your own feelings, the funeral and the whereabouts of the remains are meant to pay tribute to the deceased, first and foremost.

Understand Everyone Is Grieving

It’s important to remember that people may act differently while they’re grieving. There’s no set timeline or specific behavior for grief; everyone will need time to work through their pain individually at their own pace. The best thing you can do is acknowledge each family member’s pain and help them feel included in the funeral process in some way.

Respect Who Gets to Decide

If the deceased has appointed someone to make decisions surrounding their disposition in a will, this must be honored. If there are no documented funeral instructions left behind, you’ll need to establish who has the ultimate say over funeral arrangements. In the case of a disagreement, states have a hierarchy in place to help families organize this. The spouse is at the top, followed by the majority vote of adult children. Surviving parents of the deceased are next, provided they both agree and authorize disposition. Below surviving parents are any surviving siblings, provided the majority authorize. Beneath this is a court-appointed guardian.

If you’re in the midst of planning funeral arrangements, put your trust in Johnson Funeral Home & Monuments in Monroeville, AL. For over 65 years, this reputable, locally owned business has provided families with traditional burials and cremations to honor the memory of their loved ones. They also offer funeral preplanning services to help mitigate any difficult family decisions down the line and provide the space for grieving and healing. To discuss funeral arrangements for your loved one, give them a call today at (215) 575-3222 or visit them online for more information.