Departed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find what you need?

It’s simple – just take 10 minutes to answer a few questions on any device to share your end-of-life wishes.

Yes! And you get unlimited edits for life.

$10 (one-time)

Close to 90% of us leave our loved ones guessing our final wishes, adding stress during an already-tough time. Planning ahead, even when you’re healthy, ensures your wishes are known and eases the burden on your loved ones. It’s about preparing for the unexpected, so everyone’s a bit more at peace, no matter what the future holds.

From the fate of your remains to your social media accounts, pet guardianship, memorial vibes, and organ donation—these are just a few examples of what we cover to ensure your wishes are known.
Nope, it’s not a will. Consider it a casual way to share your wishes. It’s not a legal document, but a valuable reference for your loved ones to understand what you would have wanted should you leave without a will.
A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets and affairs handled after you pass away. Depending on the State you live in, it would need to be filed with the court.
Technically, no. And you do not need a will to use our services. Without a will, the State decides what happens to your estate. If you decide to get a will, you will have to choose an “executor” – this person’s job is to ensure your wishes are carried out as stated, handling everything from paying off debts to distributing your assets.
Next of kin refers to your closest living relative(s). They’re often the first in line for inheritance or making decisions on your behalf if you haven’t specified your wishes in a will.

Determining your next of kin typically depends on your family situation and normally falls in this order:

  • Spouse or domestic partner
  • Children
  • Parents
  • Siblings
  • Grandchildren
  • Grandparents
  • Aunts and uncles
  • Cousins
 
If you’re an organ donor, medical examiners will consult the donor registry or your driver’s license to verify. Even if not registered, if you’ve told your family, your next of kin can authorize it. To sign up, contact your local DMV or go to organdonor.gov
A DNR, or Do Not Resuscitate order, is a medical form indicating that you do not want CPR or other life-saving measures if your heart stops or you stop breathing. To file one, check with your primary care provider. It’s free.

An AD is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself in the future. Medical treatments in an AD can include decisions about life support, resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, and pain management, among others. To file one, check with your primary care provider. It’s free.

When you pass away, your estate—everything you own, such as the money left in your bank accounts, property, and personal items—are used to settle any outstanding bills. If your estate doesn’t fully cover these debts, they’re usually forgiven, except for any co-signed debts, which normally then become the responsibility of the co-signer.

Life insurance is a policy that pays out a sum of money to your designated beneficiaries upon your death, providing them financial support. It’s not required by law but can be a crucial part of financial planning, especially if others depend on your income.
An obituary is a published announcement to remember someone’s life, share their achievements and relationships, and provide memorial details. You can find them in local newspapers, on social media, funeral home websites, and dedicated obituary sites.

If this is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.


Here is a simple checklist to help get you started. You may need to consult with a lawyer or other family members.

  • Notify family, friends, employer
  • Contact a funeral home – arrange for transportation of the body
  • Secure their home
  • Obtain death certificates – hospital and/or local health department
  • Make funeral arrangements
  • Plan memorial service
  • Handle legal matters – update will, handle estate
  • Seek support from friends, family, or a counselor
  • Practical matters – cancel subscriptions or services, handle possessions


No will?

If there’s no will, the estate typically goes through probate, where assets are distributed according to intestacy laws prioritizing spouses, children, and other relatives; however, the specific process varies by jurisdiction, so consulting with a probate attorney is advisable.


What is probate?

Probate is the legal process in which a court oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s assets and settles their debts under the supervision of a judge.