Life Goes On

First off, thanks to all of you who have contacted us or commented with condolence messages.  Mrs. Drang has activated comments at Bearcat's Spin, if you wish to comment there.

We are both taking the week off to deal with what must be dealt with.  We are making progress.

We've learned a few things:

• Make sure your executor* is listed as having access to accounts; more, make sure they are signers on accounts.
• Give someone power of attorney, and keep them informed.
• If you have a will, make sure your executor knows where to find it.
• If you have one or more safe deposit boxes, make sure that your executor knows where, and  can access it/them. 
• Does your executor know who your life insurance carrier(s) is/are?
• Does your executor know who your attorney is?

People are likely to be distraught anyway, and having to work harder than necessary to put your affairs in order at the same time as they are making arrangements may cause things to be even worse.

Note that you do not have to be a "seasoned citizen" to need to deal with these issues; in fact, it can be argued that it is even more critical for young people to do so.  Plus, a married couple should consider having someone else have access to all this information, since it is possible they may "go out in a common disaster", as (I believe) Heinlein put it.

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*Please note that I am using "executor" here as shorthand for next of kin, trustee, or holder of power of attorney as well as for the executor of a will.