So far we have considered some of the immediate actions needed. Next in my folder comes:
- Funeral arrangements
This is of course very personal but some of the questions to ask are:
- Burial or cremation? If you want a burial, I suggest you buy a plot (single or double) and leave details for your executors. It is one less thing for them to do.
- Eco-friendly coffin?
- Will there be a funeral and thanksgiving service, or just one service?
- Where do you want them to be held?
For the service(s) you may wish to specify
- Who takes it
- Who preaches
- Whether you want an evangelistic message
- What hymns you would like
- What readings you choose
- What dress code you suggest. A recent funeral specified ‘No need to wear black’.
- Whether you want flowers
- Whether you would like donations to a charity (in lieu of flowers?)
- My affairs in order
This is probably the most helpful document you will prepare since it sets out to answer many of the practical questions your executors will be asking. There are several headings.
5.1 Locations
It is important for people to know where to find documents etc. particularly a copy of the will, (and also where the original will is deposited, possibly with a solicitor), marriage and birth certificates, passport etc.
5.2 Key people
I suggest you gather together a list of all the key people who will be able to assist your family. Provide their Address, Phone number, Email address and Website, as relevant. The people I have listed are:
- Funeral director, especially important if you have taken out a funeral plan.
- Crematorium or Cemetery, especially because we have bought a plot.
- Solicitor, if you plan to use one for the will.
- General Practitioner
- Accountant
- Financial Advisor
5.3 People to inform
In addition to the friends on our Christmas card list (referred to in the last blog) there may be other people who need to know of your death eg School and University, places where you have worked.
Do you want social media to be used eg Facebook (5.4 below)?
People such as your dentist, and any subscriptions you may have eg for a gym (5.5 below).
5.4 Computer and smart phone
Much of your information may be on your computer or smart phone. Be sure to provide passwords and the location of key folders and files.
Further:
- What do you want to happen to your email account?
- What do you want to happen with any social media profiles? Which ones do you have? Specify with the provider who should be the ‘legacy contact(s)’ and provide details in this section.
5.5 Bank, Building Society accounts and credit cards
List all the accounts you hold and say how to inform the bank or building society.
List any standing orders or direct debits, and whether any changes will be required (subscriptions etc).
An important suggestion: We have converted all personal accounts for me and my wife into joint accounts. This will have the benefit of allowing continued access to any funds by the surviving partner.
5.6 Insurances
List what policies you have (eg house, car) and the location of the policies.
5.7 Pensions and investments
List any pensions, bonds etc with details. (Section 8 of the folder spells these out in fuller terms)
5.8 Services
List who supplies Electricity, Gas, Water, Phone, Broadband. Specify where the documentation can be found.
5.9 Personal information
Provide details of your Passport, Driving license, National Insurance number, NHS number, Tax reference.
5.10 Family history
I have specified where the graves of both our sets of parents and grandparents are located.
In the final part of this series I will deal with a few ‘loose ends’.