Obituaries

Tyler Simpson
B: 1996-01-20
D: 2024-03-16
View Details
Simpson, Tyler
Charles Morgan
B: 1953-01-24
D: 2024-03-15
View Details
Morgan, Charles
Irene Little
B: 1951-12-15
D: 2024-03-13
View Details
Little, Irene
Leo McHale
B: 1934-06-10
D: 2024-03-09
View Details
McHale, Leo
Joyce Palmer
B: 1938-10-26
D: 2024-03-09
View Details
Palmer, Joyce
Craig Carmody
B: 1954-03-15
D: 2024-03-08
View Details
Carmody, Craig
Karen Rosser
B: 1940-07-25
D: 2024-03-08
View Details
Rosser, Karen
Brenda Woodruff
B: 1961-01-31
D: 2024-03-08
View Details
Woodruff, Brenda
Charles Monego
B: 1927-11-23
D: 2024-03-01
View Details
Monego, Charles
Richard Maher
B: 1961-10-03
D: 2024-03-01
View Details
Maher, Richard
Nancy Soules
B: 1939-02-02
D: 2024-02-26
View Details
Soules, Nancy
Frank Elleo
B: 1943-05-21
D: 2024-02-22
View Details
Elleo, Frank
Loretta Delatorre
B: 1954-03-11
D: 2024-02-22
View Details
Delatorre, Loretta
Rose O'Brien
B: 1926-05-17
D: 2024-02-21
View Details
O'Brien, Rose
Gwen Nicolella
B: 1960-07-23
D: 2024-02-20
View Details
Nicolella, Gwen
Russell Covert
B: 1938-04-04
D: 2024-02-20
View Details
Covert, Russell
Carrie Hill
B: 1959-03-07
D: 2024-02-12
View Details
Hill, Carrie
Elaine Holleran
B: 1939-11-23
D: 2024-02-11
View Details
Holleran, Elaine
Robert Turpin
B: 1961-01-22
D: 2024-02-10
View Details
Turpin, Robert
Vivien Lisanti
B: 1929-03-30
D: 2024-02-09
View Details
Lisanti, Vivien
John McKendry
B: 1933-06-16
D: 2024-02-06
View Details
McKendry, John

Search

Use the form above to find your loved one. You can search using the name of your loved one, or any family name for current or past services entrusted to our firm.

Click here to view all obituaries
Search Obituaries
1 Main Street
Franklin, NJ 07416
Phone: (973) 827-7050
Fax: (973) 827-9193

Advance Directives

We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of living responsibly, which involves preparing for the realities of life. While we believe making the decisions involved in funeral pre-planning is one reflection of a responsible mindset, we also know the critical importance of completing an advance directive.

What is an Advance Directive?

Sometimes called advance care directives, these document ensure that your wishes will be carried out in the future.

Defined as "a written statement of a person's wishes regarding medical treatment," advance directives, when properly signed and witnessed, will provide guidance for medical and health care decisions in the event the individual becomes incompetent and can no longer make such decisions.

Other Things to Know about Advance Directives

  • Advance directives are legal throughout the United States.
  • Governing laws vary so be sure to obtain an advance directive that complies with your state's laws.
  • You do not need an attorney to complete an advance directive.
  • If you reside in more than one state, you should complete an advance directive for each state where you spend a significant amount of time.
  • There are no time limitations on advance directives. A signed advance directive remains in force until a new one is completed.
  • Periodically review your advance directive to make sure it still reflects your desires. If it doesn't, don't try to amend it; simply complete a new one.
  • Paramedics and emergency medical technicians cannot recognize or honor a living will or medical power of attorney. They are obligated to do their best to stabilize the patient and get them to the hospital. When you are in the care of hospital personnel, your advance directive becomes valid.

What's Involved in Preparing an Advance Directive?

It requires thoughtful introspection and conversation with family members. The American Bar Association describes the process this way: "Good advance planning for health care decisions is, in reality, a continuing conversation about values, priorities, the meaning of one's life, and quality of life."

There are many resources available online to assist and guide you in writing your Advance Directive. 

Where to Obtain an Advance Directive Form

It's fairly easy to get a copy of the advance care directive form for your state. Your local hospital is a reliable source, as federal law requires every hospital to not only provide information about advance directives to people in their service area, they are also required to share valuable information about the related laws in your state. Contact your local hospital to learn more. Your family physician may also have advance directive forms available for patients.

You will need to have the advance directive witnessed and notarized. If you do not have access to a notary, you can find one using either of the following websites:

Once your advance directive is completed, signed, witnessed, and notarized, you may wish to upload a copy to your state's advance directive registry. This service allows healthcare providers quick access to your advance directive should they need it. Locate the advance directive registry for your state online or visit the website for the U.S. Living Will Registry.
 

52 Weeks of Support

It's hard to know what to say when someone experiences loss. Our free weekly newsletter provides insights, quotes and messages on how to help during the first year.