Morgues See Increase in Number of Unclaimed Bodies

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi
Recently the WSJ ran an article, Area Morgues Face Increase in Unclaimed Bodies, detailing the increase in the number of unclaimed bodies stored at county morgues. Likely a product of the economy, some families choose not to claim a body and thus avoid the cost of a funeral. Also, in many situations the body is identified, but the county cannot find the relatives -- especially for immigrants with family outside of the country. Reading the article underscored a message I routinely tell my clients, being organized is key to a good estate plan.

One document you can complete to make sure your burial wishes are followed (in Wisconsin) is the Authorization for Final Disposition. It is on-line, and is free.

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