I would like a third party do handle a couple matters upon my death, how will they know when I die ?
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I would like a third party do handle a couple matters upon my death, how will they know when I die ?
I would like for a third party to handle a couple of notifications upon my death, and in one case, deliver the claim form and death certificate to a beneficiary. Assuming that is possible, how will this person know when I am deceased ? My family will not do these things or notify anyone.
Asked on September 6, 2017 under Estate Planning, Wisconsin
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
To give this person or party the legal authority to do things after your death, like get the death certificate or handle funeral arrangements, you have to have a will and make this person or party your executor. That is straightforward, but necessary; without being executor, they will have no legal right to, for example, request or get copies of the death certificate. But since anyone can be named executor, if you do make a will and make them executor, they can do whatever you want.
As to how they will know you have passed away: there is no court-based mechanism for this, but there are common sense things you can do:
1) Ask coworkers, neighbors, or friends--those most likely to become aware of your passing--to notify this person.
2) See if you can let your doctor's office know to notify them.
3) Carry a card in your wallet stating that in case of death, to notify that person or party.
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