Death can come when you least expect it, and it’s important to be prepared with some steps in case the unthinkable happens. Although no one likes to think about what will happen if a loved one dies, this checklist is a good way of coping with an emergency. Keep reading to learn five things to have in order in case of an unexpected death.
1. Living Trusts and Financial Planning
You need to execute a living trust. Living trusts allow you to make all the decisions about how your assets are distributed in the event of your death. In a living trust, you appoint someone as a trustee who can make all the decisions for your family without interference from you. It is also important to make sure your documents (passport, will, etc.) are not accessible in your home.
You need to create a detailed financial plan for your family. It is wise to identify someone who can fill in for you when you cannot manage independently. The third thing you need to do is to prepare a will. Financial planning is essential to ensure that your family is financially comfortable even after you die.
2. Identification
You need to designate a successor if you die without appointing one. You can also leave detailed instructions on your deeds, insurance policies, and other legal documents. Without a designated successor, the current nearest relative will be the person who inherits all your assets. To avoid that, make sure you appoint someone and ensure they will take over all your affairs.
3. Guardianship of Your Children
If you have children, you need to appoint someone to take care of them in the event of your death. You can choose the person or set up a trust with an attorney to make this process easier. One of the things you should be prepared for is a lawsuit filed by one of your children. It is important to plan for this possible scenario. Also, it is important to ensure that you appoint someone who will be able to financially support your children despite the loss of your income.
4. Will
You need to have a will so that your wishes about who should handle your affairs will be followed. While preparing a will is a good idea, it must be specific and legible to be effective. You should ensure that your will is notarized and witnessed by at least two people. If you have a lawyer, they can draft the document for you. If you are not a lawyer, you can use a will-writing service that will guarantee your wishes.
5. DNR Order
If you are terminally ill or have a condition that causes your death, you can make an order to prevent life support from being used after your heart stops beating. You need to instruct your doctor that you do not wish to have life support and sign the order. Your doctor will only honor the DNR after your heart stops beating.
In case of an untimely death, it is important to have a will and trust to outline what you want to be done with your assets. You will also need to be prepared if a legal dispute arises after your death. Make sure you prepare for all these issues to cope with the unexpected death of a family member. Remember that you can make life much easier for your loved ones by being prepare