Taunton and South Somerset Living Dec 2022 - Jan 2023

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A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BEREAVEMENT The emotional aspect of dealing with a bereavement – even one that was expected – can be devastating, but when you start thinking about the practicalities of what to do next it can become even more stressful and overwhelming. It can be very easy to over complicate the process and get lost on your journey - the experts at the Bereavement Advice Centre have compiled this extensive guide... The steps below outline the main areas you’ll need to cover from the day your loved one passes away to the day the estate administration is completed. STEP 1 – WHERE DO I START? During the first few hours after a loved one has died, it can be very difficult knowing what to do with yourself. Knowing where to begin and taking that first step can be the hardest bit. While you’re waiting to collect the official paperwork from the doctor or the hospital to register the death, there are a few things you can be getting on with if you want to. One of these is finding any paperwork which might detail, for example, whether there are specific funeral wishes or requests for organ/body donation, as these need to be identified very soon after the death. If you feel up to it you can also begin to call family and friends to let them know what’s happened. STEP 2 – REGISTERING THE DEATH With the exception of when the Coroner is involved you’ll usually be contacted by either the hospital or the deceased’s doctor to arrange collection of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD for short). You can then make an appointment with the Registrar to complete the official registration, it’s worth bearing in mind the death needs to be registered in the county where the person died, not where they lived. STEP 3 – MAKING THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS It’s important to remember when you hand over the “Green Form” you are personally entering into the contract for payment with the Funeral Director. If you’ve found a Will or even a Letter 28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk of Wishes this might give you an idea about what your loved one wants for their funeral. This can be a relief for some as it takes some of the decisions out of their hands, but it can be a concern for others especially if there isn’t enough money or the requests are unrealistic. It’s important to understand that funeral wishes in a Will aren’t legally binding and don’t have to be followed if they’re not possible. STEP 4 – BUILDING A PICTURE OF THE ESTATE If you had Power of Attorney or managed the deceased’s finances you will probably have a clear picture of how the estate is put together. Alternatively the deceased may have been very organised, leaving you with a folder or filing cabinet containing all the information you’ll need to look after the estate. If you aren’t in this position don’t panic, it may take a bit more investigating but you will get there. Take some time to check through any paperwork for details of who they dealt with for banking and other matters. You’re only looking for a name – it doesn’t matter at this point whether accounts are open or closed. A starting point could be a debit or credit card in their purse or wallet, a bank statement, a utility bill or even a memory of a conversation about going to a certain bank or building society. It all helps. STEP 5 – LETTING EVERYONE KNOW There will probably be more people to tell about the death than you expect, and it can be hard to think of everyone. It can be helpful to make two lists, one for personal e.g. family/friends/work colleagues and another for professional e.g. financial organisations/insurance companies/family solicitor/accountant/ financial advisor. You can then use the lists to make additional notes, which will help you keep track of what you have done and what is left. STEP 6 – WORKING OUT IF YOU NEED PROBATE It’s worth remembering that Probate is only needed in certain circumstances, not just because a Will hasn’t been made or because the total value of the whole estate seems high. There are different factors which make Probate a requirement, but in simple terms it is decided by the value of individual sole assets within a person’s estate. There are exceptions to this rule so call us and we can check for you. STEP 7 – THE FINAL STEP Once you’ve obtained Probate (if required) then you can arrange for any sole assets to be sold or transferred. Before you hand over anything to the beneficiaries you’ll need to make sure any debts are settled and Inheritance Tax has been paid. When you’re comfortable that all debts have been paid you can either: Follow the instructions in the Will to pay any Legatees/Beneficiaries OR Distribute the estate to the deceased’s relatives in line with inheritance laws called the Rules of Intestacy It’s really important that you keep clear records that show what money is coming in and out of the estate as this will give you a clear paper trail showing how the estate has been administered. You can then put these together with the Death Certificate, the Will (if there was one) and the Grant of Probate (if this was required) to form your estate accounts. Edited from an article published for the Bereavement Advice Centre, you can find more information and advice at bereavementadvice.org or call 0800 634 9494.
Acorn Solicitors are a friendly, local, family run firm based in Street and Taunton. We are well known for our specialist knowledge and personal style of working. Wills and Trusts Conveyancing Powers of Attorney Notary Public Probate Elderly Client Matters Professional Executor/Trustee/Attorney Service We have no hidden charges or costs - we tell you upfront clearly what you will pay. 50 Upper High St, Taunton TA1 3PY Tel: 01823 273010 www.acornsolicitors.com General services quarter page Taunton Living Taunton 07 11 22.indd 08/11/2022 1 11:52:12 www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 29
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Taunton and South Somerset Living Dec 2022 - Jan 2023

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