Your home

It is especially important to consider what will happen if you die if you share a home with a partner to whom you are not married. In the case of joint ownership with a legal joint tenancy then on the death of one the property will automatically pass to the other regardless of any will. However if you are what is known as tenants in common, the share of a person who dies passes under the terms of a will, or to relatives under the rules of intestacy if there is no will. In this case, the surviving co–owner may have to sell the property. If you have a mortgage which is not covered by life insurance, and do not intend the house to be sold on your death, consider how it is to be paid. You may need to take legal advice to ensure your wishes will come into effect.

Bank and savings accounts

Once someone has died their bank and savings accounts will be frozen by the bank or building society, although they will usually release money to pay for the funeral. This does not apply to joint accounts which the surviving account holder can in most cases continue to use. It can take a long time for property to be sorted out after a death especially if the estate is complicated, or there are a lot of debts, or it is a large estate on which Inheritance Tax is payable. Where funds permit, and there is a surviving partner or dependent to provide for, it is worth considering how best to ensure their continuing access to funds during the administration period. The amount of the assets involved will influence the possibilities available and it is important to seek guidance from a solicitor or accountant.

Funeral arrangements

At first sight it may seem strange to suggest that funeral arrangements could be seen as long–term planning. But people often find reassurance in thinking about the kind of funeral they would like in the event of their death and in knowing that their wishes will be respected. It is also worth thinking about how it will be paid for. Cost is especially an issue if a funeral is planned to take place abroad.

People often do not realise the options that exist – there is certainly no need to have a religious service if they do not want one. People may also want to choose the music and readings they would like and to make dedications to those close to them. Many prefer to have a very simple funeral for close friends and families followed by a memorial event open to all those who wish to remember the deceased. After talking this over with their partner or family they should inform their executor who will have control over the funeral arrangements.

Some people do not consider funerals or memorial services to be that important but they do mean a great deal to those who mourn. It is often the last chance for them to say goodbye and they will remember it for the rest of their lives.