Life & Beyond is a journal where you write down everything your family needs to know when you die. Death isn't an easy subject, although inevitable, many of us would like to think otherwise! You can fill out Life & Beyond at your leisure which will assist your family to organise the farewell you want, and will certainly help administer your estate.

The idea for this book originated when I was trying to picture what would happen if I died and my young kids were left to deal with the consequences. Although I knew family and friends would assist, I felt anxious for them and realised that no one really knew my wishes.

I also realised that the kids would have no idea where my Will was kept, or what insurances, superannuation or real estate I held.  They wouldn't know who to advise, apart from close family and friends,or what to do with any social media accounts I used.

Yes, I could have told them.  However, I realised if I did tell them what I wanted, in their grief, they would either forget or disagree.

Thus, Life & Beyond became an idea that I thought needed expanding and ultimately, a thought turned into a book. 

The headings will remind you just what you need to tell your family.

Personal Information

Children

Guardian of Minor Children

Brothers & Sisters

Military Service

Relations & Friends to be Notified

Clubs & Organisations to be Notified

Medical History

Historical Information

Brief Life History

Funeral Service Preferences

Estate Information

Documents

Banking Information

Personal Debts/Money Owing

Shares & Investments

Real Estate

Insurances

Online Data & Social Media Accounts

Social Media Notice Notice

Mobile Phone Data

"Wish Lists"

Collections & Heirlooms Inventory

Special instructions or changes to Information

Message to my Family

Family History

General Information

Ordering Copies of Life & Beyond

General information at the back of the book gives you some ideas re making a Will, planning ahead and talking to your Solicitor. It is advisable to organise a Power of Attorney and appoint an Enduring Guardian. The last pages will also point out other relevant information.

Let me assure you, making a Will, ordering Life & Beyond or appointing a Power of Attorney WILL NOT jinx you and won't hasten your falling off the perch! I've had a Will since I was 13 years old, and I'm still standing!

Life & Beyond does not replace a Will but can assist with your Estate costs as all of your information is gathered in one place and saves legal employees having to search for any relevant documents. That's usually helpful for the Executor/s. Life & Beyond can also be useful if there is some dispute over your Will

Life & Beyond is purposely designed for an individual as we all have our own history. Even if we are married or in a permanent relationship, there is previous history which can be reflected in your writing.

Once you have completed the book, changes should be crossed out and rewritten in pen, and the book should not be written in pencil.