Q. I am an honorably discharged Army veteran and am quite sure my wife and I will use the new Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly to be buried in.
My question is how much does the VA reimburse you if you buy your own vault instead of using the one they give you? I’d like to know how much that is if you know.
Thank you.
Charles T., Clarkston
A. Great question, Charles! The Veterans Administration does provide a reimbursement for privately purchased grave liners. The current amount for 2008 is $192.00. That amount changes annually based upon computations by the federal government.
If you would like a more detailed explanation of how this is determined, I will be happy to accommodate your request. Simply contact me at 248- 625-5231.
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Q. My mother wants to be cremated and have her ashes buried in the same grave with her mother since her and my dad are divorced. I know this can be done, but my brother, for religious reasons is very much against cremation.
Who decides if she can be cremated like she wants, him or me?
Jessie B., Clarkston
A. Under Michigan Law Section 3206(4), if the next of kin class is comprised of two or more individuals, the right to make funeral arrangement and final disposition decisions shall be decided by a majority.
If a majority cannot agree, then the matter may be taken to Probate Court for resolution. The case can be brought either by one of the next-of-kin, or the funeral director. The judge must hold a hearing within seven days to decide the matter in a timely fashion.
Accordingly, yours is just one of the many scenarios that define the importance of planning ahead.
Perhaps we could arrange a time for the three of us to meet to allow your Mom the opportunity of conveying her wishes. It may just be the help your brother needs!
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Q. My husband thinks I’m crazy to keep paying so much money in life insurance premiums each month.
What I pay on are term policies that will be used for our burials. Should I keep them the way they are or someone advised me to convert them to whole life? What do you think?
Della G, Waterford
A. Without knowing how long the term is, what the premiums and face values are, and whether or not you have savings, other insurance, etc., for the surviving spouse to use for living, I don’t have quite enough information to give a sound answer,’but I can help!
My suggestion would be for us to meet so we can determine the full scope of your current status and how I may be able to offer a better answer for serving your needs.
A prevalent oversight with many couples is what happens to the income for the surviving spouse, which often is drastically changed.
Somehow, life insurance turns into death insurance,’and the question remains, ‘Why shouldn’t life insurance proceeds be retained to supplement the living??
That is just one of the many benefits of a pre-funded funeral arrangement. Burial policies are surprisingly affordable and there is something available for everyone’s budget,’even in today’s economy.
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Thanks, Clarkston News readers for your great response to this column, I hope the answers are a help to you.
Please keep those questions coming to Connie Glynn, Director of Family Services, C/O Wint Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, MI 48346 or e-mail to wintfuneralhome@aol.com to the attention of Connie Glynn.
As always, if an answer is required immediately, please phone me at 248-625-5231. God Bless and Happy Easter to all!