Declarations of anticipated wishes in Belgium

How do I make my last wishes known to the local authority?

Of your own free will and in writing, you can inform your local council of your last wishes, specifying the burial method (cremation or burial) and the funeral rite.
The local authority then registers the information in the “National Register of Natural Persons”.

No one can oppose the wishes expressed in this declaration.
It also allows you to mention the existence of a funeral contract, indicating its number, the date it was taken out and the identity of the company with which it was concluded (Insurance or Funeral Services).
In the event of an unexpected death on the public highway, this information is immediately known to the police.
It will also be available when the death is declared in the commune where the person died.

What is the difference between the booklet of last wishes and the communal declaration?

The declaration of anticipated wishes submitted to the commune is a very brief document, which is mainly used to ensure respect for philosophical or religious orientation, as well as the burial method. As funeral planning is our business, the booklet we suggest you complete covers many other aspects and goes into more detail. In the case of a funeral plan, A&G Funeral will record your choice of texts, music, location, etc. for you.

Is this different from funeral insurance?

Yes, funeral insurance concerns the pre-financing of funerals. The commune does not offer this service.