No one likes to talk about death, but the reality is, none of us leave this life without passing on. Imagine the stress of making hard decisions, under pressure, without knowing your loved one’s wishes. But imagine how different things could be if all those decisions were documented beforehand.
Before I Depart is a two-part comprehensive guidebook to help someone before or after a death. The first part assists those having urgent needs, which include addressing an unexpected death, hospice patient, suicide, or medical examiner circumstances. We give practical, empathetic advice on how to shop for the best deals on funerals, cemetery options, and cremation, as well as unique or creative alternatives to reduce expenses. There are countless questions to consider when planning a funeral, especially during a pandemic like COVID-19. Did the decedent leave instructions for a burial or preference for a cremation in the will? Do you know if your loved one qualifies for veteran benefits or first responder honors? Would they prefer a Celebration of Life instead?
The second part is for documenting your wishes about your estate, or posthumous for your loved ones. We continue prompting the reader with questions and considerations. For example, if the estate contains a valuable collection of firearms, art, or Bitcoin, is there an inventory list and disposition for those assets? If the decedent has short or long-term debts are there sufficient funds to pay them? Why should one know the difference between probated vs. non-probated property? What are the different types of wills or insurance to consider? Are there any other estate planning considerations?
Each chapter explains a variety of topics, which precede detailed fill-in-the blank sections, as well as a glossary of terms and helpful websites. This is a living document for life-changing events. Our goal is to help you document this information in one place, so you can focus on your family.
