Estate Closure at it's best.

Here is a perfect example of why families hire us to help them close an estate. This was a real conversation that our office had today. All I have to say is seriously??

THEM - Thank you for calling *** wireless my name is *** how may I help you.
US - We’re calling to report the death of *** and would like to cancel service.
THEM - I’m sorry for your loss. What is the account number or phone number?
US - ***-***-**** in Arizona.
THEM - What was the date of death?
US - **/**/2012. Can we fax a copy of the death certificate for your records?
THEM - We have no need for verification. Please hold the line while we cancel this service.
ON-HOLD approximately 2 minutes.
THEM – Thank you for holding. Would you like the IPAD service canceled as well?
US – Yes, I don’t believe he is going to be using the IPAD either.
THEM – Thank you, hold the line please.
ON-HOLD approximately 3 minutes.
THEM – Thank you for holding. We have credited the account and will send this to the address of record.
US – Why are you crediting the account when they are deceased? They will not be opening another account since they are deceased.
THEM – Hold the line please.
ON-HOLD for approximately 5 minutes.
THEM – Thank you for holding. We will issue a refund check after 60 days.
US – How do you know who to make the refund to?
THEM – We’ll issue it to the account holder.
US – They will not be able to sign and cash that check since they are deceased.
THEM – Hold the line please.
ON-HOLD approximately 5 minutes.
THEM – Thank you for holding. That check will be issued to the Executor.
US – How do you know who the executor of the estate is if you don’t require documentation for verification purposes?
THEM – Hold the line please.
ON HOLD approximately 5 minutes.
THEM – Thank you for holding. The account holder will need to bring documentation into a *** wireless store.
US – The account holder is deceased and will not be able to go into a *** wireless store.
THEM – Hold the line please.
ON-HOLD approximately 5 minutes.
THEM – Thank you for holding. If you could take documentation into the *** wireless store, they will issue a refund check to the account holder.
US – The account holder will not be able to sign and cash that check since they are deceased. Could *** wireless make the check payable to the trust?
THEM – Hold the line please.
ON-HOLD approximately 5 minutes.
THEM – Thank you for holding. I’m sorry but we won’t be able to release that information.
US – What information?
THEM – Who the check is payable to.
US – You just told us that we could take documentation into a store and that a refund check would be issued. All we are asking is that the refund check be made payable to the trust account so it can be distributed to the beneficiaries.
THEM – I’m sorry but we won’t be able to release that information to you.
US – So we need to go into a *** wireless store with documentation for the deceased.
THEM – Yes.
US – Then a refund check will be issued, correct?
THEM – Yes, it will be issued to the account holder.
US – We’ll make sure the DECEASED person signs their name legibly.
THEM – OK. Is there anything else I can help you with today?
US – No, I think we’re very clear on your process. Thank you for your time.
THEM – Thank you for calling *** wireless. Have a nice day.

 

More than a survivors’ checklist

Do you know what most survivors’ checklists for closing an estate don’t do? Tell the family what’s REALLY left for them to do.

Most people have never been responsible for closing the estate of someone else.  They don’t have any idea where to start or what to do first.  Usually, they say there isn’t that much to do and I can handle it but then easily become overwhelmed by the task.  Precious hours are lost on research, making countless phone calls, driving to places that weren’t necessary, and that doesn’t even address the emotional toll that it takes.

There are so many things to consider after the death of a loved one.  Beyond things that you are already aware of (i.e. reading the will, deciding who gets what, selling the house, distributing money, getting the car taken care of) there are other items that aren’t ever mentioned ~ one of those is ID Theft.  Did you know, according to TIME Magazine, approximately 2.5 million deceased people are the victims of identity theft every year? http://business.time.com/2012/04/24/grave-robbing-2-5-million-dead-people-get-their-identities-stolen-every-year/  Now guess who has to take care of that problem as well.  Yes, the legal representative of the estate.

Our Estate Closure Guide will provide you with resources and information to help ensure that the estate is closed with as few headaches as possible.  No more worries over how to get started or who should handle what.  With the proper guidance, this difficult task can be accomplished with as little confusion as possible.  The families that have purchased it have said “I never realized how many things there were to do that no one told me about.”  “I was so glad we had this resource to help us, it was so beneficial.”

Don’t underestimate the amount of work and time that closing an estate can take.  It may appear as if there isn’t much to do but 90% of it comes from things you didn’t know about or don’t know how to do.  Never hesitate to ask for help.

Tisha Diffie

www.AfterTheFact-FinalAffairs.com