1. Plan Ahead
Think about a few issues before buying a family plot to provide final resting places for you and your family members and consider how many family members you want to provide for. Count yourself, your spouse and your children, then consider future spouses and grandchildren. Come up with a rough number of plots you need and add a few more to cover unforeseen circumstances such as remarriage after death, stepchildren and unborn grandchildren. Contact local cemeteries and inquire if they have family burial plots for sale. Ask about pricing and financing.
2. Take a Tour
Visit the cemeteries that can accommodate your needs. Look at the land available and see if it fits your needs. Consider the location, view and surroundings, especially if your family has a tradition of visiting the graves of loved ones. Look at mausoleums and crypts. Inquire about cemetery maintenance, access and other services. Ask about religious or other restrictions about who can be buried in the cemetery. Many cemeteries are restricted to the burial of individuals of a certain faith. Make sure if you, your spouse or any of your children adopt a different religion, they can still be buried in the family burial plot.
3. Dig Out the Details
Choose a cemetery and gather the necessary paperwork to buy a family plot. Review what is included in your purchase. See if actual burial, caskets, grave markers or other funeral necessities are included in the family plot purchase price. Discover who owns and manages the cemetery and review their business reputation with your local Better Business Bureau or a local funeral home. Be vigilant especially if you are buying at a new cemetery. Have your family attorney review the agreement before closing the sale.
4. Tell the Family
Ask your family lawyer what happens to the family burial plot after you are gone. Often inheritance of family burial plots is governed by state laws. Create a trust governing access and disposition of your family burial plot if you want your family plot to be available for your descendants. Detail who has the right to burial in the family plot if you want to prevent future disputes. Place a copy of the documents with your will and other important documents. Tell your family you have provided for their funeral needs. Give your children a copy of any purchase agreement, trust or other documents relating to the family burial plot. Take comfort that you have provided for the final needs of you and your family.
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