Time to Remember
Action Steps
The loved ones (Successors) responsible for handling everything after someone passes away may feel like there is a never-ending list of things to do. Sorting through legal matters, paying bills, and organizing the funeral while mourning can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. And well-meaning Successors may wonder if they’re doing everything “right,” or the way their loved one would have wanted.
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In this situation, it is normal to feel stressed or confused. In addition to grief and sadness, Successors may feel lonely, exhausted, worried or frustrated. If they were caring for a loved one during a long illness or period of gradual decline, they might even feel somewhat relieved that those duties have ended – and then feel guilty about feeling relieved. That, too, is normal. Successors may need a bit of grace to just feel what they feel.
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The sections below will guide you in making sure your Successors are prepared to handle the tasks that will be needed. Use these sections in any order that appeals to you. In addition to advice and information, each section includes offers of fillable worksheets you can purchase to document and customize your plans. Complete the worksheets bit by bit, over time. Consider letting your Successors help you gather the information and fill out the worksheets. While doing so, you can share your beliefs and family stories, your wisdom and life lessons.
Who Will Manage the Estate?
Selecting someone to handle your estate is a major decision. Managing a Designer's estate can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on how complex it is. Simple estates might be handled within six months, but estates with issues like business interests, children from different marraiges, or assets in more than one state can take a year or longer. State-specific laws and family dynamics can also affect how long it takes to settle an estate.
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Why it Matters
​Selecting a Successor to handle your final wishes makes it more likely that your preferences and wishes will be respected, and that legal and financial matters will be handled well. Your "executor" will make sure final bills are paid, and that your belongings are distributed the way you want. Ideally, they will follow directions you have spelled out in a document such as a will, which should prevent disputes and confusion among people who care about you, making it easier for your loved ones to handle necessary tasks even while they are grieving.
Fortunately, the Successor you select can play a huge role in helping to organize your information, using worksheets available from this website.
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What You Can Do
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Write a will and let your Successors know where to find it. Also consider filing a copy with your local government's register of wills office.
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Use the Who Should Manage the Estate worksheet to help you decide which loved ones should play lead roles in executing your estate plan.
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Inform your loved ones who you have selected as executor.
As you think about how you want your assets distributed, remember that your decisions may affect your family members’ relationship with each other after you’re gone. If you feel comfortable doing so, consult them when deciding who will get what. Discuss what might be easiest or best for everyone. Once you make your decisions, consider informing relevant family members about those decisions.​​
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For more information, read "Choose the Right Person to Carry Out Your Final Wishes"
Ready to take action? Select your worksheets here.