Practical Guidance
This section is designed to help you with the practical aspects of preparing for your death, to ensure that those you care about, and care for, are able to more easily deal with the financial and administrative implications when you finally die.
You may already have an inkling of when your time is going to be up, or it might be - hopefully - that you are simply getting ahead of the game should the worst happen. If the former applies, I'm sorry but I'm also glad that you are looking to get everything straight now. If it's the latter, great, and I hope you have many happy years ahead, and well done on recognising the benefits of planning for the worst.
You can select from the dropdown to this section in the menu above, or click on any of the links in the list below.
You are also welcome to print my free Death Proofing Master Checklist that accompanies this section, which lists all the practical, financial and administrative activities that you might wish to complete.
Finally, I've also created a template letter that you can give to a person or person you trust, which summarises your personal situation and explains where to look or who to speak to with regards to all your documentation. This might be your spouse, your child, or an executor. You might also choose to place this with the will.
Build an Executor Guidance Document (template)
This is our biggest section and almost certainly the best place for you to start your 'death-proofing'. If you're feeling a bit lost, why not download our free master checklist (excel format) which provides a helpful summary of all areas to consider, with helpful columns including for you to capture specifics. You can then also store this and/or give to relatives should anything happen to you.
In terms of the practical steps, here's a summary of why they are useful (click on the links to go the specific, detailed page).
Create a Will
This allows you to decide what property or monies to divide up among your designated beneficiaries. You can also name a guardian for any of your children.
Supplement the Will with a Letter of Wishes
This accompanies the will and is used to provide guidance to your executors and beneficiaries. Unlike the will, it's non-binding but should be taken into account by those executing your will, and may help prevent confusion or disagreement over aspects of the will.
Create a Digital Estate Plan
This plan simply outlines your digital assets and how to manage them after death. The term digital legacy is a recent one that has become a key part of estate planning. Many of us have multiple digital accounts and automatic payment plans set up online, and it’s a good idea to think about how to pass on, preserve, or cancel these accounts after death.
Compile a Financial Asset Register
A critical document within your 'death-proofing' folder, this lists out all the assets that you have, from bank accounts, life insurance policies, pensions, property...even cryptocurrency or Air Miles are covered! The Asset Register ensures that when the time comes, your Executors are not scrabbling around to find all of your assets, and so can begin the process of finalising your estate more quickly.
Compile important documents
Create a folder of important documents. This may include information such as life insurance, estate planning, mortgage, employer contact, bank accounts, safe combination, NHS and Doctor details/medical history, and more.
Create a list of contacts
Put together a list of close friends and family and their contact information for your loved ones to contact upon your passing. This can be a gentler way for them to find out rather than seeing it posted on social media.
Build an Executor Guidance Document (template)
The Executor Guidance document is your personal blueprint for leaving clear instructions on managing your estate. Using my straightforward Excel template, you can outline where to find your key assets and important information for institutions to contact, ensuring your loved ones aren’t left scrambling when the time comes.
Create a Living Will (also known as an Advance Decision)
A living will is a different kind of will. This is an advance directive regarding healthcare and puts in place your wishes for any life-saving medical treatment should you be unable to communicate your decisions.
Create a Healthcare Lasting Power of Attorney (OPTIONAL)
This enables you to authorize a person of choice to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you’re incapacitated.
Consider your pets (OPTIONAL)
Add how to ensure pets are looked after when you die.
Prepare for palliative care (OPTIONAL)
Guidance on where to get help if you know that at some point you will need palliative care.