It’s likely that a number of organisations/people will need to be informed once a person has died, as debts might need to be resolved. It’s a good idea to prepare a checklist of these people and organisations during the estate planning process, as it will help to reduce any hassles when the testator dies. The checklist is likely to identify:
- executor of the estate
- professionals such as a solicitor and accountant
- church/religious institutions
- pension/annuity providers
- banks, building societies, credit unions
- investment institutions, fund managers and stockbrokers
- general insurers and life insurers
- debtors
- motor vehicle registry
- utilities companies (e.g. electricity, gas, water, phone)
- family doctor
- local council for rates notices, etc.
- employers and employees
- club and association memberships
- Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
