Irrevocable Prepaid Funeral Trust
I just became the guardian of my mother; part of the guardianship commission requirements state that I need to establish a Irrevocable Prepaid Funeral Trust. What exactly is an Irrevocable Prepaid Funeral Trust and how does one go about establishing one. How much do they cost, or how much should one establish the trust with? Are there any pitfalls or things to watch out for when establishing such a trust? My mother who is 79 is receiving Social Security Survivors benefits, is in a nursing home paid by Medicaid. Thank you for your help.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Irrevocable Prepaid Funeral Trust
If your mother will access Medicaid in NY, you can contact Christophe Tombline at 516 - 987 - 8718, or Anthony Capogna at 516 - 429 - 6007. They are licensed funeral directors who provide the Pre-Plan for Medicaid Purposes. They can make the arrangements whether your mother is Catholic, Jewish, etc.
Courts prefer that Guardians establish an Irreocable Burial Contract to guarantee that the ward's burial and funeral are pre-paid. For Medicaid purposes, an Irreocable Burial Contract protects the monies paid, so that the value does not compromise Medicaid eligibility.
Costs vary by what you choose. I've seen an average of $9,000-18,000. You need to consider the cost of a casket (a plain pine box or an elaborate steel casket, renting a funeral chapel, embalming-cosmetology, clergy fee, limo, death certificates, etc.).
Sincerely,
Steven
Steven A. Kass, Esq.
Law Office of Steven A. Kass, PC
105 Maxess Road, Suite N116
Melville, New York 11747
http://www.stevenkass.com
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