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How Do You Want to Be Remembered?

As an estate planning attorney who has worked with families on their estate plans, I’ve come to realize that some of the most powerful moments don’t happen in courtrooms or during document signings. They happen in quiet, vulnerable conversations — when clients share how they want to say goodbye.

One area of estate planning that is often overlooked is final disposition instructions — the choices about what happens to your body after death, the type of service you want, and how you wish to be remembered. Many people assume this is simply a choice between burial or cremation. But it’s so much more than that. It’s about legacy. Ritual. Identity.

Consider the sorority sister who requested that her sisters perform a sacred ritual at her funeral. This wasn’t simply a ceremonial preference; it was an acknowledgment of a lifelong sisterhood that shaped her identity. Or the client who meticulously crafted a playlist blending gospel hymns and go-go music to be played at his service, creating a final celebration that honored both his faith and his cultural roots. Your story deserves to be told exactly as you would write it, right down to the final chapter.

These may seem like small details, but they are deeply significant. They reflect our essence, our communities, our heritage, and the joy we want to leave behind. When these wishes are written down, they honor your story and guide your loved ones through one of the most emotional times of their lives. Final disposition instructions remove the guesswork. They prevent disagreements among family members who may not know what you would have wanted. More importantly, they provide comfort. A clear plan tells your family: “This is what I want. This is who I am. Celebrate me this way.”

We encourage you to think beyond the standard considerations. What music captures your spirit? Are there readings or quotes that have guided your life? Are there cultural traditions that should be honored? Who should speak, and what stories would you want them to share? These questions often lead to profound conversations about values, relationships, and legacy.

Planning how you want to be remembered doesn’t have to be morbid. It can be empowering. It’s a final act of self-expression and a gift to the people who love you.

We invite you to deep dive into this topic by clicking below to listen to and share Episode 58 of the Wills, Women and Wealth podcast. It’s honest, heartfelt, and may inspire you to write down your own wishes.

Because your legacy isn’t just what you leave — it’s how you leave them feeling.

Information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and not intended to constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for help with your specific situation.

For assistance with Maryland and D.C. Estate Planning and Probate/Estate Administration matters,

contact the Law Offices of Elsa W. Smith, LLC

at 410-995-7719