Our October 2024 Newsletter: What is a Next of Kin Kit? ???
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Funeral Homes
Now in our 100th year of service.
?Leave Cherished Memories, Not Confusion.?
Are you leaving a puzzle for your loved ones? If the unexpected happened tomorrow, would your loved ones be ready to handle your home, belongings, online accounts, assets, finances and final wishes?
In today's fast-paced world, we often overlook planning for the inevitable. A “next of kin” box/kit or “end of life” kit is an invaluable tool to ensure your loved ones have clear, accessible information when the time comes. From vital documents to personal wishes, this kit provides peace of mind, allowing families to navigate difficult times with less stress and confusion. It’s not about being morbid—it’s about being prepared, ensuring that in a moment of grief, your loved ones aren’t left scrambling to figure out what needs to be done. ?
What is a "Next of Kin" kit?
What’s also known as an "in case of death file" or "emergency preparedness kit," is a place for gathering and storing documents for easy accessibility detailing how you want your wishes carried out regarding all aspects of your life at end-of-life and after death. Some view it as a gift of kindness for loved ones.?
This ‘box’, ‘kit’ or file?typically includes essential financial records, account details and passwords, and vital estate planning documents such as your Will, power of attorney, health care proxy, and life insurance policies.
The main purpose is to provide an additional layer of preparedness for your loved ones. In the unfortunate event of a death, particularly if it is sudden, family and friends may find themselves facing a challenging and emotional time. Having this comprehensive box or file readily available ensures loved ones' ability to more easily manage finances and carry out funeral and estate-planning wishes. ?
How the first "Next of Kin" box came to be.?
Michelle, a teacher, real estate agent, and mom from Littleton, Colorado, faced a challenging situation in 2021 when her father passed away. She and her brothers traveled to his home in upstate New York to handle the necessary arrangements. Beyond notifying loved ones, planning the funeral, and writing an obituary, they were suddenly thrust into the task of sorting out his estate—a daunting process for which they were unprepared.
Fortunately, they discovered that their father had left a Will, providing some initial guidance. However, they soon realized that a Will is just one small part of managing an estate.
To close bank accounts and manage investments, the siblings first had to locate them. This involved sifting through his phone, laptop, cardboard boxes, file cabinets, drawers, and closets, searching for statements and bank or credit cards. They spent countless hours at the kitchen table, trying to guess passwords and piece together their father's financial puzzle.
The physical assets also posed a challenge. They had to track down a camper in Florida, relying on a friend’s vague instructions ("just find Susie at the campground, she knows where it is!"), locate a boat in New Jersey ("ask Bob, we think he owns half!"), and deal with a golf cart and snowmobile trailer, both of which had no keys in sight.
As the paperwork and responsibilities piled up, Michelle and her brothers decided to visit a local office store to organize everything into a single box. They created checklists for the items they found and the tasks that needed to be completed. This system became their lifeline as they navigated the complexities of probate.
This experience led to the creation of the first Next of Kin? Box.? ?
Create your own "Next of Kin" kit!?
Begin Your Preparation
Creating a “next of kin” kit?or “emergency preparedness box” is a significant task, so it’s important to start with a solid plan. Staying organized throughout the process, especially in the early stages, can help you efficiently gather everything you need, though do not get discouraged if you find the process taking several weeks to complete. Putting together information is best done over a several month period?of time in order to avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information needed to complete the box/kit.
First, decide how you want to organize your box/kit. Many people prefer a physical binder or folder. It is recommended to use plastic, zip-top protected document bags. These document bags should be in a fireproof?safe. ?
Next, compile a checklist of documents and information you need. Here are some examples of what you might want to include:
The box/kit can also be used to store contact and other information on other key people to be notified upon your death. You can personalize it with letters to loved ones as it will most likely be the first part of the box/kit opened upon death.
Organize Your Information?
Since the binder will contain sensitive information, store it in a secure, discreet location, and share its whereabouts only with those who will need it.
If you opt for a digital file, it’s essential to stay organized. Clearly name each file, and if you have many documents, consider grouping them into subfolders within a main folder. It’s also helpful to include a short guide on how to navigate the digital file.
When saving digital information, be cautious about where you store it. While cloud services are convenient, you might want to avoid saving personal data in the cloud. Instead, consider using external hard drives and make sure to share access details with trusted individuals.
Once your box/kit is complete, set a reminder to update it annually or after any major life events.
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Inform Your Loved Ones
Now that your box/kit is ready, let your executor know it exists. This doesn’t have to be a difficult conversation. Simply explain you’ve taken steps to ensure everything is in place for them when the time comes.
Many people choose a few trusted individuals to have access, and it’s also common to provide a copy to your lawyer.
Finally, leave clear instructions for your loved ones on how to access your binder, especially if it’s stored electronically.
Talking about death with your loved ones can be uncomfortable, but taking these steps now can help ease the burden during a stressful time, providing peace of mind for both you and your family.
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For more information on the Next-of-Kin? organization, please visit: thenokbox.com
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This email includes excerpts from?author Elizabeth Lewis for Remembering a Life blog and Protective Life.
Supporting You Beyond The Funeral
We understand the days following the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming for the family. We are pleased to provide our complimentary Continual Care Guide and Continual Care Program as part of our ongoing commitment to support the families we serve. To learn more about our Continual Care Program, visit our website: Continual Care
Our Virtual Seminars Are Back!
Estate planning is crucial for ensuring your wishes are honored and in the context of blended families, thoughtful and precise planning becomes even more important.
In this seminar, we’ll address the unique challenges that blended families face—from inheritance issues to balancing the needs of current and former spouses, children, stepchildren, and new partners. We will also explore the complexities for such families that arise when navigating final funeral arrangements.
With expert insights from our team, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard your family’s future and protect your legacy.
Led by Kate Wright, Partner, Family Law/Wills and Estates, her colleague?Brandon Doughty, Lawyer, Real Estate/Wills and Estates at Mann Lawyers LLP and Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Funeral Homes Preplanning Counsellor Anna Silverman.?
Join us Thursday November 7, 6:30 - 8 PM (ET)
Virtually via Zoom?
To register, please visit: HPM SEMINARS
In The Community?
Congratulations to our VP/Funeral Director, Don Renaud ??
We are thrilled to share that our esteemed colleague, Don Renaud, has been honored with the Excellence in Funeral Service Award at this year’s OFSA President's Banquet & Awards. ??
This prestigious award is a reflection of Don’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism in the funeral service industry. His commitment to supporting the families we serve and consistently providing exceptional service has made a lasting impact on all of us at Hulse, Playfair & McGarry.
(L-R: Senior VP/Funeral Director Tom Flood and his wife, Terry Flood, Don Renaud, President Sharon McGarry )