topic Re: OT: Death and Valuables in Beauty

OT: Death and Valuables

IControlMyHappiness — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:30:27 GMT

This topic is not beauty related but I'd love to hear the feedback of the ladies on here. Question, What if a person does not have a close knit family, are their companies that if you have no family the company will follow your instructions, pack up your valuables for the desired charity, etc.

What happens if you die and have no immediate family? Can you prepare for that now and how would one do that...what companies or businesses would I contact?

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

depglass — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:36:11 GMT

You need a lawyer and a will. If you have absolutely no one you trust you could appoint them your personal representative and they will distribute your assets according to your wishes. State laws vary.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

JeanLouiseFinch — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:37:13 GMT

It would probably be best to discuss this with an attorney. I don't know your age, if you have an illness, etc., but consider that the longer you live, you may have increased living expenses and you may need to sell those valuables for cash. In either case, I believe you can set up a trust or living will with your attorney and he/she will execute your final requests, and bequests, if you don't have a family member to act as executor.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

IControlMyHappiness — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:42:05 GMT

thanks, I will have to meet with a lawyer. My mother was adopted and my father's family (he was never close with them) hence I really don't know them. I don't have any kids and I need to prepare for the future.

thanks again, if anyone has any other comments or knowledge from others in the same situation, I'd love to hear the "story" of what happened or what mistakes you think I can avoid for when meeting with the lawyer.

All comments will be appreciated.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

RainyDayGal — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:44:45 GMT

My husband and siblings know what to do with my things. I don't have any children, so my valuables will be donated to causes I care about form them to auction off.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

MarthainMD — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:02:57 GMT

I know this is not beauty related, but am glad to see this topic. I'm in the same shoes as Sunshine and was thinking about this the other day. Thanks to all who commented.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

chrystaltree — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:07:20 GMT

That's why people have wills and estate attorneys.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

PAlady — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:10:27 GMT

You do need to sit down with an attorney, but start a notebook with all the questions you want to ask. This way you will not get home and think; Oh, I forgot to ask this. Good luck.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

ennui1 — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:31:54 GMT

On 4/7/2014 sunshine3215 said:
thanks, I will have to meet with a lawyer. My mother was adopted and my father's family (he was never close with them) hence I really don't know them. I don't have any kids and I need to prepare for the future.

If you don't want your things to go to relatives, you need a will that specifically excludes them as well. Wills can define who things go to, and who they don't go to.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

151949 — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:32:15 GMT

As others have said either you make a will and appoint a executor or you hire an attorney to handle things for you. But first and foremost you need a will.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

nycgrl — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:52:01 GMT

Sunshine - I too am in the same boat as you. I lose sleep over it. I worry what will happen to me when I can no longer care for myself - never mind whatever small valuables I may have. It is very scary to think about. I know I need to prepare my Will and assign an executor, but I am not ready to face that yet.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

Yuban3 — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:59:08 GMT

Sunshine, I'm in the same boat as you. I'm in my early 40's, not married, and no children, no siblings.

What to do with all the "stuff"?

Who will take care of me if/when I can't take care of myself?

Scary to think about.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

sashamatthews — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:02:57 GMT

I am older than the last poster, and I am going through this now. Trying to make sure everything is arranged properly. The only problem is - where do the pets go? My avian vet told me sanctuaries not want money to take in birds. I don't have an issue with that but I have two special needs birds and one elderly bird. Plus the bunny. There is no one to take them.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

duclane — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:08:02 GMT

I have an 88 yr old neighbor who is still in great shape and is young at heart and mind. She has no family either - never married had a boyfriend for 30 years-living separately. She has investments etc. She has a good will and has a women who she is close with, and trusts, to handle all her affairs, like selling the condo etc. She also has a backup person, if the first one goes before her.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

jewelfool — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:08:04 GMT

Yes, get an attorney and appoint and executor. They don't have to be family but someone you know and trust or the attorney can advise you on an Executor. An Executor will be paid a certain percentage of the estate to follow your instructions and take care of everything at the time of your death. That is the only way to make sure it is done the way you want it done.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

ItsME — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:08:26 GMT

I'm in a similar boat. No spouse, no kids. I would trust my brother with things, but what if something happens to him first? My biggest fear is what happens when I can't speak up for myself. And running out of money. I'm thinking I should get a big house, and do a "golden girls" thing…. rent rooms to a few other women for good companionship and to reduce costs. Any takers? LOL!

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

rhinovodka — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:11:20 GMT

Talk to a lawyer, you will need to appoint an executor of the estate, whether that is the lawyer or a close friend, etc.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

Venus — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:19:34 GMT

I'm sort of in the same position. I have an appointment to get my Will and Power of Attorney done. I have a living Will already. Money will go to an animal hospital to help patients who can't afford treatment for their animals.

Another thing you can do (if this is important to you) is go to a funeral home and prepay and prearrange for your final arrangements. I just want to be cremated and ashes scattered on my parents grave, so I might as well make the final arrangements now.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

IControlMyHappiness — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:47:02 GMT

THANKS LADIES...it is good to read that I am not alone. all your tips are appreciated.

Re: OT: Death and Valuables

ahoymate — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:54:07 GMT

I would avoid probate at all costs. Do some research before going to an attorney. They are expensive and will guide you to what serves them best. Best to you.