Find out how you can plan ahead, including making a will and becoming an organ donor.
A will is the only way to make sure that your money, property, possessions and investments (known as your estate) go to the people and causes you care about. You can write this yourself, but it’s usually best to get advice from a lawyer.
If you and your partner aren’t married or in a civil partnership, your partner won’t have a right to inherit if you don’t have a will.
For more information on how to write a will, visit Age UK or Gov.UK.
Many families struggle to talk about death, but it’s important to discuss your end of life plans with your loved ones. If you have important documents about your wishes, keep them in a safe place and your let loved ones know where they are.
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions for you or act on your behalf, if you're no longer able to or if you no longer want to make your own decisions.
There are two types of attorneys, including:
You can choose to make one type or both. Find more information about making a power of attorney on GOV.UK or Age UK.
Some people want to make decisions about what happens after they die, including their funeral. By making plans now, it will mean your friends and family have less important decisions to make at a time of great upset.
There are also pre-paid funerals that allow you to pay for your funeral in advance.
Check what you will need to consider when planning your funeral, by visiting Marie Curie.