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15 08 2008

Deathly Records

Posted by: Eric Hundin in , Estates, Wills, Trusts, Career Information, Blog Carnival

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We don’t tend to think about any formal records relating to death other than a Will or sometimes a Power Of Attorney.

My husband’s Aunt was killed in a road accident this week and we’ve just found out. It’s a pretty sad story really.

She was a very young 73 year old who had never married - then around 5 years ago she met a man who was her other half and it was quite amusing to hear of her looking for a double bed.They travelled and moved around and did all sorts of things together. Five years of happiness and then gone in an instant.Collision between a campervan and a motor home.

She was killed and he is pretty badly knocked around and still in hospital.

But, of course the hardest thing will be for him to recover from her loss and the fact that he was driving.Whether he was at fault or not - he will never forgive himself.

The good news is that she had a Will and he won’t have to go through a hard time working out what happens where or who gets what.But, what about all the other things.The list of her insurance policies, bank accounts, credit cards, details her accountant, her doctor, list of family contacts etc.

These are many records and details that would make it easier for someone to pick up the pieces, notify the appropriate people, seek assistance from relevant authorities etc. A Will and an Enduring Power of Attorney are critical items.

Please think of those that may be left behind and make it easier on them.If you don’t have these records in place and easily accessible with someone trustworthy (Public Trustee etc) then PLEASE do it.Make it a priority task within this week and get it done.

We don’t want to be mortal - but of course we are and believe it or not - you ARE going to die.Just hopefully not soon and of course after a great deal more gratification and contribution to this world.

Have you ever thought what you want done with your body when you’re finished with it? Just think, you may be able to help someone else live a better life when you cannot.Please consider organ donation - this is the Australian website but they exist for most countries. http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/aodr/index.jsp?gclid=CLfkkbHwm5QCFSMYagodrQxWuA

Did you know that many families reject a person’s preference to donate organs because they are distressed and can’t bear to think of their loved one not being ‘whole’ when buried or cremated?Appropriate discussions with family members when everyone is whole and well are really important - but so are the appropriate formal records that advise the local personnel when time is critical.

One of my colleague’s husband’s passed away last year while waiting for a heart transplant.They had three young girls.And he died.It was tragic.

Anyway, that’s my thoughts.I feel a bit morbid but death is part of life - so I will go and give my 5 year old a big cuddle and tell him again how much I love him.

But he will suffer little once I’ve gone - everything is crystal clear, recorded, and I’ve even written him letters every six months or so that he won’t even see until he is older.He will know as an adult how much I value him. I value him enough to cause him the least anxiety.

Trudy Robinson

MCom (ecommerce) Grad Cert, Dip PM, Dip Bus, AFAIM

http://www.corporatefingerprint.com

Records with Purpose, for Purpose

A 20-Year veteran of the consulting industry, Trudy is unique among the experts as the woman who has actually developed and executed solutions to the day-to-day problems for small, medium and large businesses.

Unlike other ‘experts’ who merely conjure up good ideas or sponsor more and more software, Trudy actually produces systems, training manuals, organisational devices and mentoring that transform good strategies into great profits. She’s executed countless low-cost, proven strategies for small to medium businesses. Further, she has counselled many corporations and entrepreneurs in leveraging their business through organisational systems and mentoring.

Trudy is Masters qualified and is an Associate Fellow within the Australian Institute of Management. Trudy speaks regularly to corporate business owners and has spent many years working and travelling internationally. As one of Australia’s most respected authorities in the information products industry, she has developed a step by step system to take your workplace from chaos to control.

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move house, change address, buy a plushy indulgent sofa, treat yourself to some gorgeous designer jewellery, put on that sexy Gucci dress and impress him with your amazing culinary skills with a little help from online cookbooks. All in a day's work.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 15th, 2008 at 9:56 am and is filed under , Estates, Wills, Trusts, Career Information, Blog Carnival. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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