Having this information documented in one place makes the process easier for your family and for us.

• Full legal name (including middle name)

• Date and place of birth

• Social Security number

• Current address and phone number

• Marital status and spouse's name (if applicable)

• Father's full name and birthplace

• Mother's full maiden name and birthplace

• Highest level of education completed

• Occupation and employer (or "Retired")

• Veteran status — branch, service dates, discharge type, VA claim number (if applicable)

DescriptDeciding how you wish your remains to be cared for is the most important first step. Options available through AM Cremation & Funeral Care include:

• Direct Cremation (Simple, Premium, or Veterans package)

• Direct Cremation with Private Family Goodbye

• Cremation with Scatter at Sea

• Witness Cremation at our crematory

• Memorial Service or Celebration of Life with Cremation

• Viewing with Cremation (rental or cremation casket)

• Traditional Funeral with Cremation

• Traditional Burial with viewing, funeral, and graveside service

• Graveside Burial Only

• Veteran's Graveside Service at Sarasota National Cemetery

• Direct Burial without funeral or graveside services

• Forwarding Remains to another funeral home (in or out of state)

• Anatomical Body Donation

Not sure which option is right for you? Call us at (941) 212-1093 ext. 4 — we're happy to walk you through each one.ion text goes here

Think through what kind of service, if any, you'd like held in your memory.

• Do you want a memorial service, celebration of life, or no formal gathering?

• Preferred location (funeral home, place of worship, outdoor venue, private home, etc.)

• Preferred date/time of service (if any)

• Officiant preference (clergy, celebrant, family member, friend)

• Music preferences — specific songs or genres

• Readings, poems, or scriptures to be included

• Special cultural, ethnic, or religious traditions to be honored

• Flowers — preferences or charitable donation in lieu of flowers

• Pallbearers (if applicable)

• Photo slideshow or video tribute preferences

• Clothing or jewelry preferences for viewing (if applicable)

• How would you like your ashes handled?

• Returned to family in a standard container

• Placed in an urn (choose style/material)

• Scattered at sea (attended or unattended)

• Scattered at a meaningful location

• Divided among family members

• Interred in a cemetery or columbarium niche

• Other (keepsake jewelry, memorial reef, etc.)

• Name the person responsible for receiving the cremated remains

• Urn selection (if choosing cremation) — material, style, size

• Casket selection (if choosing burial or viewing with cremation)

• Outer burial container / vault (required by most cemeteries)

• Grave marker or headstone preferences

• Cemetery selection (if applicable) — contact cemetery for requirements

• Birth certificate

• Social Security card

• Photo ID / driver's license

• Military discharge papers (DD-214) — for veterans

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

• Divorce decree (if applicable)

• Passport (if applicable)

• Most recent tax return

• Will and/or Trust documents

• Life insurance policies — company name, policy number, agent contact

• Pre-paid funeral contract (if one exists elsewhere)

• Property deeds and titles

• Financial account information (for estate purposes)

• Cemetery deed or burial plot ownership papers

You can write your own obituary now or simply gather the key details.

• Brief life summary — where you grew up, career, accomplishments

• List of surviving family members (spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, etc.)

• List of family members who preceded you in death

• Memberships, organizations, or causes you were involved with

• A favorite quote, scripture, or sentiment (optional)

• Photo for the obituary (recent and clear)

• Newspapers or websites where you'd like the obituary published

• Designate an Authorizing Agent — the person legally authorized to make decisions about your remains (typically a spouse, adult child, or next of kin)

• Share your pre-planning documents with this person

• Let your family know where all important documents are stored

• Provide AM Cremation & Funeral Care's contact information to your family: (941) 212-1093

• Discuss your wishes with your attorney if you have a will or trust

• Update beneficiary designations on life insurance and financial accounts as needed

  ⚠️ Important: A Will Alone Cannot Protect Your Wishes in Florida

  Many people assume their will is enough to ensure their final wishes are followed — but under Florida law, it is not. A will qualifies only as "written directions," and even a preneed contract can be cancelled after your death under Florida Statute §497.460. Neither document is legally binding on a funeral home or cremation provider.

  The only document that fully protects your wishes is a written Inter Vivos Authorization and Direction — a separate, notarized legal document that designates your chosen Legally Authorized Person under Florida Statute §497.005(43). This is especially critical if you want someone other than your legal next of kin (such as a close friend, partner, or non-spouse family member) to make decisions about your arrangements.

  Without this document, your legal next of kin can override your wishes — even if your intentions are clearly stated in your will or a preneed contract.

  An Inter Vivos Authorization should:

  • Be a standalone notarized document (separate from your will)

  • Name your designated Legally Authorized Person and an alternate

  • Specifically state your wishes for disposition (cremation, burial, etc.) and funeral services

  • Be signed by you, two witnesses, and a notary public

  Ask us about the Florida Inter Vivos Authorization and Direction form, or consult a Florida attorney to have one prepared.

Pre-paying for your arrangements today locks in the current price and protects your family from future cost increases.

• Review AM Cremation's current pricing and packages

• Decide if you'd like to pre-pay now or simply pre-plan (document wishes without payment)

• Ask about funding options, including assignment of life insurance benefits

• Receive and review your pre-need contract

• Store a copy of your contract in a safe place and give a copy to your authorizing agent

Pre-paid arrangements through AM Cremation & Funeral Care are 100% price-guaranteed.

Your wishes may change over time. Plan to revisit your pre-planning documents every few years or after major life events.

• Review your plan after marriage, divorce, or death of a spouse

• Update if you relocate

• Confirm your chosen authorizing agent is still appropriate

• Notify AM Cremation of any changes to your plan