Evie King, a 46-year-old former standup comedian who has worked as a council funeral officer since 2017, is urging individuals to prepare for their death to alleviate stress for their families. Her work, which involves arranging funerals for those with no next of kin, has shown her the significant impact of unresolved administrative tasks and material clutter after a person dies.
King recently published a book, "Get Ahead Of Being Dead," which combines her memoir with practical guidance. She advocates for a proactive approach to death administration, emphasizing that early preparation can prevent chaos and distress for surviving relatives.
Essential Preparations
King recommends starting with a simple notebook, clearly labeled as containing critical information for when she is no longer able to manage her affairs. This notebook should include essential details such as National Insurance numbers, bank and mortgage providers, pension information, GP contact details, and initial thoughts on funeral preferences. It should also list all active subscriptions for services like internet, mobile phones, newspapers, and gym memberships, which will need to be canceled. Information regarding car parking locations and utility providers can also be included to assist those left behind.
Wills and Legal Documents
A significant portion of adults in the UK do not have a will, a situation King aims to change. While creating a will can involve costs and legal formalities, she stresses its importance. Options range from using solicitors, which can cost around £400, to more affordable DIY kits, or free services offered by charities through programs like Will Aid.
King advises that wills should be updated throughout life, especially after significant events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children. Without an updated will, inheritance could default to unintended beneficiaries, potentially excluding long-term partners or children from remarriages.
Beyond wills, King emphasizes the importance of advance care plans and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). An advance care plan outlines an individual's wishes for medical treatment and personal care if they become incapacitated, covering everything from life-sustaining treatments to daily care preferences. These plans do not require legal expertise and free templates are available from charities like Dementia UK and Marie Curie.
To ensure these wishes are legally enacted, an LPA is necessary. This document designates a trusted individual to make decisions on behalf of the person if they lose the capacity to do so themselves. Obtaining an LPA can be done through the official gov.uk website for a fee or via consultants and solicitors at a higher cost.
Decluttering and Final Thoughts
King also promotes the concept of a "death clean," a significant decluttering of personal belongings. She suggests this is most effective when done while alive, as items can take on exaggerated sentimental value for those left to sort through them. By reducing possessions, individuals can simplify the process for their families and prevent the burden of managing and disposing of unnecessary items.
Despite the administrative effort involved, King views death preparation as a way to ensure loved ones can move forward with their lives without undue interruption. Her own experience, and that of those she has assisted professionally, underscores the value of addressing these matters proactively.