What I Do
What do you do after someone has died ?
Where do you start?
There are so many things to deal with - and not everyone can cope. It often takes far longer than you realise to get everything done and dusted.
If the deceased person has left a Will, they will have named one or more executors to administer their affairs and deal with everything to do with their estate. 'Estate' means all their property and possessions. Executors can be solicitors, family members, friends, or a combination of all three. It is an executor’s responsibility to ensure that the wishes of the deceased are honoured, as well as wrapping up financial affairs and disposing of property etc., according to any Will that is in place.
However there are lots of practicalities that need to be dealt with too, and not everyone has the time or energy to deal with them. Or maybe it’s just too overwhelming emotionally or physically. Whatever the reason, I am here to help you.
And it's not just families that need assistance, I also work with Private Client Solicitors, providing a practical pair of hands, to make their job easier and allow them to concentrate on doing what they do best.
I will ease the burden of sorting out personal possessions and clearing the deceased person's home. I can do as little or as much as you need.
It can be anything-
collating and organising paperwork to ensure that everything is in order for a solicitor to proceed;
ensuring family papers, photographs and documents are identified and kept safely;
checking through clothes and personal items to make sure nothing of value is lost or disposed of;
photographing items in the deceased’s home so that family far away can decide what they wish to keep;
ensuring jewellery or valuables are found and put in a place of safekeeping;
identifying specific items that are willed to specific people;
returning disabled living aids to social services;
arranging house clearance and cleaning;
packing up items for storage, sale or disposal;
reading utility meters, emptying the fridge and freezer, watering the garden;
making the house presentable for showing to prospective buyers.
-in fact anything that helps smooth the way for the bereaved family and the legal professionals involved.
Please get in touch to see how I can help you.