Last week, we started with an overview of the estate planning category. This category takes up 5 file slots in my File Box 3. The first file slot contains checklists. The first type I keep is the What To Do When Someone Dies checklist.
Thinking about someone close to you passing away is tough. I do not want to think about what would happen should Paul pass away. However, should that happen, I will be a mess.
My emotions will get the better of me, and I will not be able to think. So, I need to prepare BEFORE something happens, so I can just follow the instructions.
I know I won’t be alone, but I will know where all the documents are and whom we have partnered with for our financial, insurance, and medical well-being. Having a checklist to follow will focus my brain on completing the next step without trying to figure out where to start.
WARNING: Before I share some resources that I find helpful, I want to preface this information with a warning that these checklists are for informational purposes.
Should Paul pass away, one of my first calls will be to our attorney. I will confirm with him the order in which I need to proceed per our state’s laws. Having a legal partner is the key to completing this process thoroughly, completely, and legally.
What To Do When Someone Dies Checklist
The following checklists offer anywhere from basic to extremely detailed instructions. Personally, I like to know all the information.
However, I keep simple and detailed checklists in my estate planning file slot because I may need something really simple in the first days just to get through the initial shock. Keeping a couple checklists will give you options should a loved one pass away.
Simple Checklists
- The Consumer Reports checklist is organized by time frame – immediately, within a few days, and up to 10 days.
- Created by Barbara Repa, a California estate planning attorney, this checklist, with boxes to mark off the items, gives practical advice based on the following time frames – within the first hours, within the first day, and within the first days to weeks.
- Designed by an attorney and his wife, who are caregivers, this printable checklist allows you to mark off the items as you complete them. If you are a caregiver or have aging parents or grandparents, then you might want to keep this checklist handy.
Detailed Checklists
- Prepared by Virginia attorney, Dan Newland, this checklist provides 34 items in a sequential numbered format.
- Specifically designed for California residents, this checklist includes boxes to check off as you complete each item.
- My favorite is this thorough 16-page printable checklist with explanations and an area to mark off completed tasks from Colorado attorney Gary Johnson.
In keeping a printout of two or more checklists, you will have a starting point should you find yourself asking, “What to do when someone dies?” Though I don’t like to dwell on what could happen, I prepare should the worst take place. I do not take out these checklists to read them, but I keep them filed – just in case.
Weekly Project: Print one or more What To Do When Someone Dies checklist and file within your estate planning category.
One benefit to having these checklists is learning some tangible ways to help those who lose a loved one. I have stayed at homes twice during a funeral to distract any thieves, who prey on families during their time of grief.
Next week, we will continue with another checklist that I keep filed within our estate planning documents. Getting your important documents organized will make retrieving those documents quick and efficient when you need them.
The process takes lots of time and energy, but in using time wisely, you will save time in the long run. Happy organizing!
Question: Do you prefer a simple checklist or a detailed fully-explained checklist?