Step 1 – Create a will
If you’ve not got around to it, make it a priority. If you want to be sure that things like assets and money are left to those you want to receive them, then you must stipulate this in a will. If you don’t, the law will decide what happens to your assets – and they may go to someone you don’t want.
It’s also a good idea to tell those individuals who you wish to act as executor of your will. An executor is the person who handles your financial affairs and wishes after your death. You are able to have more than one person to be the executor, but ideally no more than four.
If you have children under 18, a will also states who should be responsible by law to look after them if you die.
Step 2 – If you want to be super-organised to ease the burden on family and friends, you could consider planning your own funeral. For help and advice, consider Funeral Directors Billericay at a site like Bennetts, a leading Funeral Directors Billericay.
Step 3 – Get your paperwork together
You know where all your important documents are stored, whether it’s in a drawer or filing cabinet, but do others know? You must inform the executor of your will.
They will need to know the whereabouts of documents like:
Bills
Any divorce papers
House deeds
Bank statements
Insurance policy
Credit card statement
Mortgage information
Birth and marriage certificates
Tax certificates
Details of savings and investments – including: premium bonds, pension statements and stock certificates, for example.