Notary federation Fednot has launched a website to help people deal with the administrative load following the death of a relative or person close to them. It offers practical information and tips to work through the red tape.
Administrative tasks make the death of a loved one considerably more difficult. After receiving many requests for concrete information on the steps to take before and after someone dies, Fednot launched a website, StartMySuccession, to collate all the necessary information.
"StartMySuccession is a practical site with clear information tailored to citizens who, administratively, can no longer see the wood for the trees at a painful time," said Notary Anne Wuilquot, president of the Federation of Notaries.
The site includes an overview of what to do after the death of a loved one, including what should be arranged by the next of kin in the days, weeks and months following a death, the documents needed and who can help with this process.
It also explains that there is a possibility to refuse an inheritance – which people in Belgium are increasingly doing – and details how to unblock accounts and file the estate declaration.
Preparation is key
Aside from aiding in the event of a death, the website also stresses the importance of preparing for your final days. "The better you arrange everything during your lifetime, the easier it will be for your future heirs to get started."
StartMySuccession therefore also contains an overview of what people can arrange at the notary, from wills to inheritance agreements. It has made available a 'Guidelines to my loved ones' brochure, available in a PDF version.
"This is a kind of pocketbook in which you can keep all kinds of information and wishes during your lifetime. Both about your assets and personal matters. For your loved ones, it will later be an aid to carry out your instructions and wishes." Upon death, family members can easily find the instructions here, along with contracts, for example.
