Settling Disagreements Regarding the Funeral Process

Disagreements happen in life. When something matters, people are bound to approach it in different ways and with different priorities. So when it comes to funeral planning, it is only natural for families to have disagreements, as well. The good news is that there are ways to deal with that. If you or someone you know is looking into funeral services in or near Waverly, IN, you should know that there are professionals in your area who can make the planning process easier. They may not be able to settle every disagreement, but they can certainly provide you and your family with options, explain those options, and walk you through the process from there. 

In the meantime, you may find yourselves dealing with very principled and very important disagreements about how to handle things. Some may, for example, prefer to have a very formal and traditional funeral. Others may like the idea of something that’s more casual and upbeat. There may be any number of disagreements when it comes to things like burial, as well—where to bury someone, whether to have someone buried in the first place (as opposed to cremation). Most families have the right intentions. But that doesn’t mean everyone will see things the same way. That’s okay. And it’s perfectly natural. But ultimately decisions must be made. 

The first step is to engage in open and honest conversation. Bring family to the table and assure that their opinions are valued. While it may seem like this kind of discussion is precisely what produces disagreement, it is far better than letting something fester under the surface. Lingering disagreements can damage relationships and make it more difficult to proceed down the line. When having a conversation, someone should treat the occasion like a real meeting—replete with an agenda, talking points, action items, and a somewhat organized format. It doesn’t have to be all business, but it should be a productive interaction. The point is to get things done and arrive at some conclusions. 

When there are disagreements, begin by assessing the wishes of the deceased. Did he or she leave any written instructions that may serve as a basis for resolving disagreement? Were there any personal conversations that might shed additional light on those wishes? These kind of things can have a real impact on the decision-making process, and they should certainly be the first priority. From there, it is perfectly reasonable for those who knew the deceased best to engage in a more hypothetical exercise, determining what he or she might have wanted. This isn’t always an exact science, but it certainly beats an alternative where family is asserting its interests without properly considering those of the deceased. 

If all else fails, you may even wish to have a particularly objective friend or family member serve as an informal mediator. This can provide structure to the process and take some of the pressure off of other participants. It can even reduce the extent to which arguments become overly heated or personal. 

If you are interested in funeral services in the Waverly, IN, area, consider reaching out to Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. We know that planning a funeral isn’t always easy, and that’s why we approach your needs in a professional and caring fashion. You can visit us at 39 E High St, Mooresville, IN 46158 or place a phone call to (317) 831-2080.