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UnexpectedPassing.com

Beyond Wills & Estate Planning

  • Home
  • First Steps
  • Death Planning
  • Funerals, Etc.
  • Financial Details
  • Real Estate
  • Digital Footprint
  • Subscriptions
  • Shared Stories
  • Checklists
  • About Us & Site Policies

Special Collections

Those precious items

We are collectors by nature - be it books, music, antiques, coins, figurines, fur coats, baseball paraphernalia, guns - the list is endless. 


We have collected these things because they give us joy.  Those we leave behind may not get the same enjoyment out of our collections. 


Thus, whether the special collections have substantial monetary value or not, you need to give thought to what you would like to happen to these special collections and document it!


This action will also help minimize the possibility of the collection or individual pieces disappearing prior to your estate being settled.


What would be of great help for those managing your estate would be:

  • Create an inventory of the collection(s) - either paper or electronic 
  • Tell the Executor/Executrix where this inventory can be found. 
  • Take photographs of your special  collection pieces and include them with the concise descriptions in the inventory
  • If items are to be donated to a special organization, such as a museum or historical society, be specific about these details. It might be good to check with your      lawyer about including these in your will
  • If the collection is to be sold, and you know someone interested in purchasing either certain items or the entire collection, include this information - name and contact details

Clothing

My silk scarves

Of all your personal collections, perhaps your clothing will be the most difficult for your loved ones to deal with. Within your clothing there may be a special "collection" that you would want to have handled differently from the rest of your clothes. 


For me, it is my collection of Hermes scarves. I would not want these donated to a charity, but either to go to my daughter or sold and the funds becoming part of the estate.


If you have a preference for a specific charity that you would like to see receive the rest of your clothing, consider indicating your preference in either your will or your end of life document.  

Giving It Away

Giving Away all or Part of Your Collection

An alternative to leaving instructions for your collections and/or other items that are especially precious to you might be to give them to loved ones who appreciate them. 


If you opt to do this, it is recommended that you create a list for those you leave behind of what you have given away and to whom. 


In addition to ensuring that there is complete clarity about the destination of these items, it also helps to avoid searching for an item that may have already been given away. 


And avoids unfounded accusations (did the maid steal it? Did my brother/sister/cousin/uncle/ aunt take it?) and wasted time in looking for said items. 


To facilitate your living giving, we have created a simple form for you to complete with your living giving bestowals. 

Living Giving Document

To facilitate your living giving, we have created a simple form for you to complete with your living giving bestowals.  Click below to download a pdf copy

Living Giving List

Record the gifts you are giving away or plan to give away before you die

Living_Giving_List (pdf)

Download

More on Death Planning

Personal Details

What is your full legal name? 

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Death & Documents

Before death, the three most important documents are a Power of Attorney (POA), a Healthcare Proxy (HCP) and a Living Will

But none of these are valid after your death

More

Insurance

Life insurance may be the first that comes to mind, but there are more...

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Wills, Trusts & Estates

These are the critical elements of what you leave behind and your bequests

More

Dependents

During your life, circumstances change. Remember to update pre-planning documents and your final wishes periodically 

More

Other Featured Sections

First Steps

Financial Details

Funerals, Etc.

Where to begin the process

Step-by-step guide on what to do first. Calls, paperwork, care arrangements, etc.

More

Funerals, Etc.

Financial Details

Funerals, Etc.

New Orleans Jazz Funeral

Where do you start? Physical remains, funeral options, death certificates, memorial services and more...

More

Financial Details

Financial Details

Financial Details

Bank accounts, investments, pensions, property, etc.

Next hurdle - how to handle financial records and accounts

More

Real Estate

Digital Footprint

Financial Details

Home & Property

Key reiminders on securing residences - owned and rented, apartments and houses - after a loved one's death

More

Digital Footprint

Digital Footprint

Digital Footprint

Social Media & Digital Presence

What you need to know to protect and eliminate the deceased's digtial presence

More

Subscriptions

Digital Footprint

Digital Footprint

Magazine subscriptions, memberships and more

Don't forget subscriptions, memberships, and more...

More

Shared Stotries

Shared Stotries

Shared Stotries

Funny, helpful and special stories shared by others to help you through the process

More

Checklists

Shared Stotries

Shared Stotries

For each section, download and personalize a pdf checklist

More

When I Leave You & Death Planning Checklist

When I Leave You - Our preplan document


Death Planning Checklist

When_I_Leave_You (pdf)

Download

Death Planning Checklist (pdf)

Download

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