​Did you know that 82% of Hispanic and Latino adults don’t have a will or estate plan?

Financial planning is often overlooked in Latino communities, which can leave families with unexpected costs, difficult decisions, and uncertainty after a loved one passes.

In a recent webinar co-hosted with the Latinx Task Force, María Otero of Compassion & Choices, Paul Zambie of Texas Legal Services Center, and Mónica Lowe of Lowe & Associates addressed the roots of this issue. They also explored how Latino families can make informed decisions, protect assets, and minimize potential challenges and expenses for their loved ones. This blog shares their wisdom and ways you can take action!

Why is there a gap in advance care planning and financial planning among Latinos?

Talking about death is often seen as taboo or bad luck, which can hold people back from having these necessary conversations. Additional challenges include a historic distrust of financial and healthcare systems, language barriers, and a lack of affordable legal services and culturally relevant resources.

How does planning ahead make a difference?

Planning ahead is an act of love, care, and respect — for ourselves and our families. It increases the likelihood that we will have an end-of-life experience that aligns with our goals and priorities. It also lessens the potential emotional, financial, and legal challenges our loved ones may face when we die. This frees up their time and energy to focus on grieving, celebrating our lives and memories, and caring for themselves and each other.

As María Otero shared in the webinar’s opening remarks, “If there’s one thing I know about our community, it’s this: we show our love through action. Planning ahead, whether it’s for your funeral, your medical wishes, or your finances, is another way to take care of your family. It’s saying, ‘I love you enough to protect you from worry when I’m no longer here.’”

What should families know about funeral costs and planning?

Funerals can be a significant expense, often costing around $7,000 to $12,000 in the United States. Making arrangements at the last minute can exacerbate the cost and create stress for loved ones. To reduce costs and make the process as smooth as possible, it is important to plan ahead, shop around, get quotes, and compare options. 

This blog from AARP provides tips for planning your own funeral. The Funeral Consumers Alliance also provides guidance for navigating the process, saving costs, and accessing financial assistance.

Many wish to have a loved one’s body or ashes returned to their home country after death, a process called repatriation. How does this work and why is it important to plan for it?

If repatriation is of interest, it is especially important to plan ahead because it requires additional coordination and the cost can be high — ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the location. 

First, find a local funeral home that has experience with repatriation. The funeral home usually handles the preparation of the body according to international requirements; this can include embalming, proper documentation, and getting permits for transportation. Some pre-need funeral plans include repatriation options or transportation coverage, but you may need to explicitly ask about it.

Foreign governments may also be involved in the process. For people from Mexico, for example, the Mexican Consulate will play an important role. They provide guidance, help verify documents, and in some cases can offer financial assistance for families with limited resources. 

Planning ahead means you can compare prices, prepare documents, and have peace of mind that your loved ones won’t have to figure out the process of repatriation while they are grieving.

What legal documents should everyone have in place?

Regardless of your age, it is recommended that everyone have the following legal documents:

• A will: Outlines the distribution of your resources and assets after death.
• An advance directive: Describes your wishes, values, and priorities for your healthcare. It typically includes a Living Will (which expresses your wishes) and a Healthcare Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, or Healthcare Proxy form (which identifies who will speak for you if you can’t speak for yourself). 
• A power of attorney: Allows someone to manage financial matters for you while you are alive. A durable power of attorney remains in effect if you become incapacitated and it ends when you die. A limited power of attorney gives someone the authority to make only some decisions for you in certain circumstances.

These documents help ensure that your wishes will be respected and can ease potential legal or financial challenges for loved ones. Without them, families risk facing probate court, extra costs, and disputes over medical or financial decisions. 

You can get started by creating a free, legal will online, thanks to Compassion & Choices’ partnership with FreeWill. Most people finish in just 20 minutes or less! You can also find instructions for creating an advance directive here.

What are some steps I can take now to organize my affairs?

Start by having an open conversation with your loved ones about your wishes for your end-of-life experience and your funeral. Identify who you would trust to serve as your healthcare proxy and power of attorney and talk with them about serving in those roles for you.

If you already have documents like a will or advance directive, gather them in one place and tell your loved ones where they are. Ensure that your healthcare provider has a copy of your advance directive and request that it be added to your medical file. If you don’t yet have these documents, work on creating them. You can create a free will online and complete your state-specific advance directive form.

For more comprehensive support and personalized guidance, it can be helpful to work with a trusted financial advisor and/or lawyer. A funeral provider can also help answer questions about funeral planning and options. For all of these services, research the options in your area — including if any providers come from your home country or speak your native language, if relevant. You can ask around for personal recommendations and interview service providers before working together to ensure they are a good fit.

Additionally, you may be able to find free legal resources and assistance. For instance, the Texas Legal Services Center offers free legal aid to Texans. Research what support is available in your state or community.

Compassion & Choices is committed to equipping Latinos and all communities with the information, resources, and support needed to take charge of their end-of-life journey. Learn more about our Hispanic & Latino Community Engagement work and find additional resources in English and Spanish here.

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