What Can we Learn from Lisa Marie Presley About Estate Plans and Funeral Arrangements

Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley, passed away in 2023, leaving behind her memoir, which was completed by her daughter, Riley Keough. In her book, From Here to the Great Unknown, Lisa Marie shares her profound grief following the suicide of her son, Benjamin Keough, at the age of 27. She revealed that she kept her son’s body in a coffin with dry ice for two months before burying him at Graceland, Elvis’ home in Memphis, TN.

Under California law, families have the right to decline embalming before burial as long as the body is refrigerated or sealed. Part of the delay in Benjamin's burial was due to Lisa Marie's uncertainty about whether to inter him in Hawaii or at Graceland.

The experience of loss is challenging for those left behind, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning to ease the burden on loved ones. The best approach is to make funeral arrangements and prepare estate planning documents.

The Importance of Funeral Arrangements

By pre-planning your funeral, you not only ensure that your wishes are respected but also alleviate the emotional burden on your family during their time of mourning.

When you plan your funeral in advance, you can specify how you want your body handled and where you wish to be laid to rest. Here are some details to consider:

• Funeral Service: Do you prefer a traditional church service, a memorial, or a celebration of life? What music or readings would you like included?
• Body Disposition: Would you like to be buried, cremated, or have a green burial? Where do you want to be buried, or where should your ashes be scattered? It's important to note that there are laws governing the scattering of remains.
• Pre-plan or Pre-pay: Pre-planning or pre-paying for funeral expenses can significantly ease the financial strain on your family. Coffin prices can range from $3,000 to over $10,000, so making these decisions in advance can prevent overspending during an emotional time.

Why Estate Planning Is Crucial

High-profile deaths often highlight the necessity of proper estate planning, and the Presley family’s situation is no different. Following Lisa Marie’s passing, questions arose about the custody of her children and who would control her trust, which includes Graceland. With improved estate planning, these issues could have been resolved more smoothly.

Creating essential estate planning documents protects both you and your family in the event of incapacity or death, ensuring continuity of support during difficult times. Key elements of a solid estate plan include:

• Last Will and Testament: A will allows you to specify your assets and designate beneficiaries, appoint an estate manager, and name guardians for minor children. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes among family members and can expedite the probate process. Without a will, state laws dictate inheritance, which can complicate matters and increase costs.
• Power of Attorney: This document allows you to appoint a trusted individual to manage your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. Having a power of attorney in place is particularly vital in cases of mental or physical incapacity. Without it, your loved ones may need to seek court intervention to appoint a conservator.
• Healthcare Directive and Living Will: These documents let you articulate your preferences for medical and end-of-life care, appoint a healthcare agent, and provide instructions regarding organ donation and funeral arrangements.
• Beneficiary Designations: Ensure that your bank accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance policies have current beneficiary designations, as these assets transfer outside of a will.

Establishing a comprehensive estate plan offers peace of mind, knowing that your wishes will be honored.

Lisa Marie Presley’s passing serves as a reminder of the importance of planning for both funerals and estates. By taking proactive steps now—such as creating a will, appointing powers of attorney, and outlining your funeral preferences—you can ensure that your wishes are respected and spare your loved ones from making difficult decisions during their grief.

If you're ready to start planning, give us a call today.