Financial and legal planning

People may find comfort in putting their financial affairs in order and in making arrangements for the care of their children and other dependants. This kind of planning can certainly ease the burden on grieving loved ones, while lack of it can be a source of considerable stress.

It is not a legal requirement to have a will but if a person dies without one, their assets may not be shared out in the way they would have wished.¹

A will is especially vital to protect the financial interests of a partner if there is no marriage or civil partnership. Writing a will also allows the person to name an executor to oversee their funeral arrangements and their estate.

If there are children, it’s important to discuss plans for their future care with other adults who may be involved (for example, partner or ex-partner). A guardian should be named in the will. 

More detailed information on preparing a will (including appointing a child’s guardian) is available in the section Making a will.

In addition to making a will, other helpful steps include:²

• Organising important documents such as bank records, insurance policies and deeds to the house, and telling people where to find them

• Listing names and contact details of people who should be notified about the death, for example a solicitor, family members, and the person’s employer. It is also helpful to make sure relatives have contact details for the executor

• Telling others about their wishes for a funeral, cremation or burial. Some people engage a funeral director and pay the expenses in advance.

Several charities offer guidance on these issues, including: Age UK (previously called Age Concern and Help the Aged), Citizen’s Advice and Macmillan Cancer Support.