Entering into a pre-need contract is the best way to assure your burial wishes are followed. In the absence of this, clear, written instructions should be given to the person who will be responsible for your funeral and cemetery arrangements. In California, these written instructions are not legally binding. Under current law, the final decision will rest with your executor(s), even taking precedence over the nearest relative’s choice. It is important, therefore, to choose a person whom you can trust to carry out your wishes.