Planning for the inevitable may feel overwhelming, but leaving a clear contact list in your death planning efforts can provide your loved ones with guidance and support during one of life's most difficult times. Without a structured list, your loved ones or executor may struggle to determine who to notify when someone dies, leading to confusion and unnecessary stress in an already stressful moment. This guide walks you through the essential contacts after death and how to organize them effectively for those you love.
Why a Contact List is Important in Death Planning
When a loved one passes, family members must handle numerous responsibilities, from legal matters to funeral arrangements. Having a prepared death planning contact list ensures that key individuals, advisors and organizations can be notified quickly, reducing delays and financial burdens. This list also helps answer questions such as who handles affairs after death and what steps need to be taken legally and financially.
Key Contacts to Include in Your Post-Death Contact List
1. Legal and Financial Contacts
Proper estate planning involves more than just a will or trust—it requires a team of professionals who can assist your loved ones in executing your final wishes. Be sure to include:
Estate Planning Attorney: Handles probate, wills, and legal documents
Financial Advisor: Provides financial guidance and investment insights; will help freeze your accounts asap once that day comes
Accountant or Tax Professional: Manages final tax filings
Insurance Agents: Contacts for life insurance claims and policy details
Bank Representatives: To manage accounts, loans, and safety deposit boxes
Employer or Boss: To notify company and HR about your passing
2. Family and Personal Contacts
Your family also needs immediate access to the right people for both emotional and logistical support. These can be friends or family members who can help spread the word, plan the funeral and ensure the family is taken care of. Include:
Executor: Your primary point of contact for decision-making and handling of the estate
Close Friends or Confidants: Trusted individuals who can support your family and help spread the word to others
Caregivers or Home Health Aides: If applicable, they may have insights into ongoing medical care or needs
Spiritual Advisors: Religious leaders who can provide comfort and officiate services
3. Medical and Emergency Contacts
In many cases, medical professionals will need to be informed upon death, especially if there are ongoing medical conditions. Include:
Primary Care Physician: Can provide medical records and official cause of death
Specialists or Therapists: If applicable, for any ongoing treatments
Hospice or Palliative Care Providers: If you received end-of-life care, they will have vital documentation
Organ Donation Agencies: If you are an organ donor, this ensures your wishes are honored
4. Household and Utility Contacts
If you own property, there will be ongoing bills and responsibilities to manage. Include:
Mortgage or Landlord Contacts: To handle property ownership or lease agreements
Utility Providers: Water, gas, electricity, internet, and phone services
Homeowners or Renters Insurance: To process claims and cancel policies
How to Organize Your Post-Death Contacts
Now that you know who to include, it’s important to keep this information well-organized. Follow these tips for creating a contact list:
Use Deadbook: Our estate planning organizer and tool allows you to keep a running list of important contacts.
Regularly Update the List: As life circumstances change, ensure your list remains current.
Share with Key People: Make sure your executor, attorney, and a trusted family member know where to find it.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a death planning contact list may not be a pleasant task, but it is one of the most helpful things you can do for your loved ones. It ensures they know who handles affairs after death and provides them with the resources they'll need.
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