Documentation Required to Process a Death
December 30, 2008 by Linda
Filed under Documentation
When someone you love dies there are lots of decisions which have to be made and you will have lots of questions. Here we aim to answer those questions and provide a forum for your to ask additional questions and get responses from other people in the same situation.
The first thing to keep in your mind is that you don’t have to do everything by yourself, ask a close friend or relative to help you.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to documentation need to process a death:
- What information do I need to have about the person who has died before I begin completing documentation?
- What documents do I need to gather together to enable registration of the death and to start funeral arrangements?
- What other documents should I gather together?
- What documents do I need to notify benefits/tax credits offices about the death?
- What documents do I need about myself if I am sorting out the deceased’s affairs?
- What financial information about the decease will I need to complete documentation?
- What happend if the deceased owed money to others?
- What other information do I need to complete estate valuations?
- What documentaion or information will I need to inform organisations of the death?
RSPCA’s Home for Life
Many people worry about what will happen to their pets when they die. Now the RSPCA has launched Home for Life which is a free service where they will do all they can to find a new, loving home for your pet if you should die.
Too many cats and dogs are left homeless after their owners pass away. Now you can ensure they’re properly looked after should anything happen.
Click here to find out more or take a look at the questions which are frequently asked about Home for Life:
Q What happens when I die – how does the RSPCA find out?
Once you use our Home for Life service you should let your friends, family or neighbours know that you want the RSPCA to take in your animals in the event of your death. We also provide a wallet card, which can be kept with you at all times – it has a telephone number to call.
Q What happens when I die – what is the procedure?
As soon as we are informed that someone who has used Home for Life has died, our Legacy administration department will get in touch with your regional RSPCA office, who will collect your pet or pets as a matter of urgency. The animals will be taken to the nearest RSPCA Animal Centre, or other suitable accommodation, while we set about doing all we can to find them a loving new home. In addition, every animal coming into our care gets a health check. For most pets that includes vaccination, neutering and microchipping.
Q Can you rehome my animals together?
If you want your animals to be re-homed together, you should mention this in your Will. Although we cannot guarantee that this will be possible, we will do everything we can to honour your wishes. In every event, we will do what we feel is best for your pets. If trying to find a new owner for more than one animal together involved them spending longer than necessary in an Animal Centre, we would need to review the situation.
Q Do you vet new owners?
Usually, before anyone can adopt an animal from the RSPCA, we interview them. This way, there are no impulsive decisions and the RSPCA is certain the animal is going to the right home. In addition, a home visit may be required, and this is often followed up with a post-adoption check.
Q Are there any animals you won’t take (i.e. not just cats and dogs)?
The RSPCA is the largest animal welfare charity in the UK, and has facilities to take on most animals. Although spaces for larger animals such as horses may be limited, we do have some facilities for them. The only types of animal the RSPCA may have difficulty rehoming are fish or exotic animals. If you are thinking of using Home for Life for fish, exotic or large animals, please call Jo Curtis to discuss on 0300 123 0239.
Q What happens if my family offer to take the pet?
The RSPCA’s Home for Life service is to be used in the event that you have not made alternative provisions for your animal’s care, so if a family member or friend has offered to look after your animal that’s fine.
Q I have included this in my Will but not used your wording. Is that okay?
As long as your wishes are clearly stated in your Will and you have included our charity name and registered charity number this should not be a problem.
