It is no secret from reading Joan River’s 2012 book, “I Hate Everyone…Starting With Me”, Joan Rivers was a realist about death. In the book, she included a section on how she envisioned her own funeral:

“When I die (and yes, Melissa, that day will come; and yes, Melissa, everything’s in your name), I want my funeral to be a huge showbiz affair with lights, cameras, action … I want craft services, I want paparazzi and I want publicists making a scene!”
“I want it to be Hollywood all the way,” she continued. “I don’t want some rabbi rambling on; I want Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents. I don’t want a eulogy; I want Bobby Vinton to pick up my head and sing ‘Mr. Lonely.’”
“I want to look gorgeous, better dead than I do alive,” she wrote. “I want to be buried in a Valentino gown and I want Harry Winston to make me a toe tag.”
“And I want a wind machine so that even in the casket my hair is blowing just like Beyoncé’s.”

This excerpt may be a little over the top for most, but all joking aside, Joan had a very heartwarming conversation with her daughter Melissa moments before her surgery. In this discussion, she assured her daughter should anything go wrong, she has had a good life, she’s proud of her daughter and that life will go on. This seemed to be one of many conversations like these, Joan had with Melissa about her life and final wishes. Conversations like these are selfless and more parents should have them with their children.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl0iXZAPrdA
If anything is certain in life, it is that none of us comes out alive. Some say that planning for the future or talking about death is morbid and will be talked about when that time comes. However, when is this time? When you are 70? 80? 90? Truth is, if you are over the ago of 18, you should have some type of advance directive in place such as health care directives or/and power of attorney.

If important legal document such as these are not put in place, family members are forced to go to court to file for guardianship and ask a judge to make decisions such as to stop medical care and treatment and allow end of life. If family members are unaware of your decisions, and they disagree on what steps should/should not be taken, this can cause unnecessary family drama.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, it is never too early to start planning. Help accomplish the goals and wishes that you have for your money, your property, and most importantly, your family. For all of your estate planning needs including a will, a comprehensive durable power of attorney, and health care directives, such as a health care proxy and living will, contact our highly experienced team of attorneys at Vincent J Russo and Associates today. Do not hesitate. Make sure your loved ones are able to make important medical decisions for you, should you need.

By: Marissa Kleiner-Guest Blogger