The financial practicalities
1 May 2008
More than half a million Britons die each year – around one per cent of the population.
Some will have lived to a grand old age and put in place meticulous arrangements for dealing with their property and assets after they have gone.
But death is a subject most people do not like to think about, so there are also plenty who put off writing a Will until it is too late. This can be problematic as well as causing hardship and deep upset to those left behind.
Unexpected deaths – particularly the tragic deaths of younger people – also mean that families and friends have responsibilities thrust on them at a time of acute personal distress.
There is much that bereaved individuals can organise for themselves, indeed some people find being busy with the practicalities of a death a helpful and necessary part of the grieving process.
However, the decisions and arrangements bereaved people have to make can be complicated and technical – particularly when it comes to unravelling the finances of the deceased.
A good first step would be to contact the deceased’s independent financial advisor or other professional – for example, accountant or solicitor.
Useful links
Find a solicitor through the Law Society:
www.lawsociety.org.uk
Find a financial adviser at www.nsandi.com
