I can’t think of any downsides, financial or otherwise, to doing this.
Does anyone know something I don’t know? (On this subject)
And no worries, I am not on death’s door, nor do I foresee visiting Exit anytime soon.
Oh, and does anyone know a checklist, or similar, of what needs doing when a Swiss citizen passes when resident here?
Many thanks in advance.
https://everlife.ch/prevoyance-funeraire/
https://everlife.ch/publication/comm...s-funerailles/
They will also organise everything, paperwork, etc, when the time comes.
A good way too to ensure things are done 'your way' - I mean, I know I won't be there, but I'd hate the thought of an expensive coffin in precious wood from Amazonia and expensive silk liner + gold handles. What a waste. I want a simple local spruce coffin, lined with hessian or coton, and same wood handles- and no fuss- and NO marble anywhere + simple burial. My family knows, but even better if it is clear with the funeral people too.
The Gemeinde should also tell you exactly what to do - I seem to recall they had a checklist.
In some cases, the fees are very low for cremation and a standard, no-frills urn. They have other fees for burial in a coffin. Once you know that base-line, you'll be able to decide what you'd like to add.
EDIT: Oops, I see that eng_ch was fasternme!
But I'm going to go with cremation (aquamation) or something greener. I'd much rather be pushing up daisy from the depth of a forest somewhere.
But good advice from all. Thank you.
Oh I do wish though that we had natural burial grounds here- must discuss with the Council and with the local funeral director. In the UK we had one near us in the countryside- you paid for the plot, and had to have a simple burial, simple non varnished local wood, wicker or cardboard- and then plant one single native tree on the plot after burial. When all plots taken- the forest is left to grow. Great idea.
I really fancy one of those wonderful woven wicker coffins they sell in UK- perhaps I should bring one back next time we go, it would look lovely tied to the top of the car, don't you think.
You might want to consider whether to spring for a meal and drinks. Once went to an Irish funeral where so many drinks were available one mourner fell into the grave, the biggest problem was finding people fit enough to help him out.
Matty? Aren't you part Irish?
Been over that discussion with my older bother in his 80s- as I had no idea if he wanted cremation or burial, or, etc, etc. All noted now, so he trusts me to do as he wishes, as and when. A sense of humour helps too.
The clearer it is from you, the easiest for loved ones. Doesn't always work sadly. When my cousin was dying, he told his daughters he wanted to be cremated. He was very clear about this, even though he is Catholic. His sister insisted that he could not be cremated, as a Catholic, and there was a massive row. Daughters of my cousin stood their ground and respected their father's wishes- his sister has never talked to them again! Rare, I hope.
And thanks Doropfiz, this is exactly what I was looking for.
I did tons of research into the market, people's perceptions, the buying process etc. And one thing was very clear...
Do. Not. Rely. On. Putting. Funeral. Wishes. In. Your. Will.
Remember, the will is traditionally only opened and read only AFTER the funeral.
We heard hundreds of stories where people's relatives had struggled through their grief and loss to organise and pay for something they thought their loved one would have liked - only to find that all the details (including hymns, and who NOT to invite!) were in the will all along. And had not been followed...
You don't have to prepay and have a funeral plan. But you can plan what you want and how it will be paid for, and put it in writing. Then tell several family members where they can find those instructions "when the time comes".
Kind regards
Ian