The stress of sudden illness in the family

Regardless of the amount of income or resources you may have, it would be best if you had an end-of-life plan in place. End-of-life planning can seem very morbid to many people, but you can take actions and decisions you can make to help alleviate some of the awkwardness. Below is a list of steps you should consider when thinking about estate and end-of-life planning.

1.)   Pre-plan your funeral or list your funeral details: Consider how you would feel if you had to make many decisions about the most minute details during a period of immense grief. Now consider your loved ones deciding whether you want your navy suit or your black suit while under the same pressure? What songs do you want someone to sing at your funeral? What scripture would you like to be read? There are a ton of macro and micro-decisions to make when planning a funeral. This is also when less ethical cemeteries and funeral homes can and will take advantage by upselling grieving family members. Pre-planning your funeral details at any level will be a huge relief should the unthinkable happen. Even if you truly don’t care what color suit or earrings, make a list with decisions, even those that may seem arbitrary. Protecting the mental health of your left behind loved ones is as important as protecting their financial health.

2.)   Make an “at time of death” folder/file on your computer: To be safe, also save it on a USB drive. Consider including your social media information, cell phone passwords, email passwords, banking information, crypto wallet information, investment accounts, life insurance, and any other pertinent information your family will need. Writing a loving letter or recording an encouraging message to find at your time of death may also be something that can help ease your family’s sorrow.

3.)   Reach out to a professional: Consider cost-effective options such as legal service benefits you may have through your employer, bank, or credit union. Do some research, compile a list of questions, and schedule a consultation-only meeting to get as many of those questions answered as possible. Search for volunteer legal clinics in your city. You may be able to speak to a lawyer for a very low cost or free. Inquire about legal clinics/legal assistance from your local law school. Hire a mobile notary, such as Sweed Notary Services, to help with your paperwork notarizations, as this may be a more cost-effective option than a legal office.

End-of-life planning can be a daunting task. At Sweed Notary Services, we pride ourselves on being sensitive, caring, and respectful while also being efficient, capable, and qualified. We’re happy to meet you at a location most convenient for you. Suppose you are looking for a notary on behalf of a loved one in a hospital, nursing home, or skilled nursing facility. In that case, we practice all safety protocols, wear all necessary PPE, and are fully vaccinated.  Feel free to visit us online at www.sweednotary.com