UnexpectedPassing.com

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

Who's In Charge

Person-In-Charge

Asking "Who's in Charge" is critical after learning of a loved one's death. As with any life transition, the process goes more smoothly if there is a designated person to make decisions. That person ensures that the wishes and desires of the recently deceased loved one are carried out as he or she wanted.

  

You may be that person, or it may be an executor/executrix, a partner, or child of the deceased. Whoever accepted this role for the deceased will have the final say in all decisions.


Certain decisions need to be made at the point of death - where is the body to be delivered? If the death occurs at home, once any medical professionals and/or law enforcement agency complete their tasks, the next step for the physical remains MUST be addressed that same day.

  

The decision-maker will be the one to work with those taking care of the physical remains, whether a funeral home, crematorium, a "green burial" firm, or a home-care guide. 


The decision-maker will also be the contact point for the lawyer, financial planner, religious institution, and the family.


  • If you are not in-charge, do you know the person likely to have been designated?
  • Do you know how to contact him or her?
  • Do you have their phone number or email?
  • How quickly can that person take on this responsibility?

  

Depending on your relationship with this person, if possible, consider offering your support. The administrative process involved is overwhelming. This person may also be dealing with his/her grief, and any assistance - or even the offer - will be appreciated.


If you offer and your support is accepted, please remember:

  • You are not the person in charge
  • Provide advice only if asked!
  • If you have specific information that may be helpful, offer it respectfully to the person-in-charge (PIC)


As the reality of the magnitude and potential duration of dealing with all the details surrounding death penetrates the fog of emotions, it will seem overwhelming and complex. 


Take one step at a time. Just one step at a time.

Mandala - Find Your Center

                            Find Your Center

More First Steps

Paperwork

Are there any personal papers clarifying the final wishes?  

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Wills & Lawyers

 The best place to start is to find their will or their lawyer’s telephone number.  

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Notifications

Call immediate family and close friends first!  

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Care Arrangements

Are there children or pets that need immediate attention?  

More

Other Featured Sections

Death Planning

Financial Details

Death Planning

Personal Details

Detailed guide to prepare or fulfill final wishes 

More

Funerals, Etc.

Financial Details

Death Planning

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 reminders on securing residences - owned or rented, apartments or houses - after the death of a loved one

More

Digital Footprint

Digital Footprint

Digital Footprint

Social Media & Digital Presence

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

More

Subscriptions

Digital Footprint

Digital Footprint

Don't forget subscriptions, memberships and more

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Shared Stories

Shared Stories

Shared Stories

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

More

Checklists

Shared Stories

Shared Stories

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

More

When I Leave You & First Steps Checklist

When I Leave You - Preplan document


First Steps Checklist


When_I_Leave_You (pdf)

Download

First_Steps_Checklist (pdf)

Download

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