Can I preplan the funeral of a parent who may be ill or reluctant to do so themselves?

Yes. It is not uncommon for persons terminally ill or incapacitated to have their funeral preplanned by a third party, such as, a next-of-kin, executor, legal representative or friend with or in many cases, without their knowledge. As difficult as it can be, discussing what people’s funeral wishes are while they are still alive is important, so they can be laid to rest in the way they most wanted.