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A legal document that allows a person to make decisions about their healthcare now, in case they become too sick or injured to make their own choices later

A person (usually a family member, but not always) who receives something from a will, a trust, a bank account, or an insurance policy after someone passes away

Any time of sadness or grief that happens after a loved one has died

The process of turning a person’s body into ashes after death, instead of burying them in the ground or entombing their casket in a mausoleum

A legal document that gives someone the right to make healthcare decisions, financial matters, or both, for another person who can no longer do so for themselves due to sickness or injury

Any property, money, or material belongings that a person has when they die which may include their house, car, bank accounts, and personal items

The person who is chosen to handle everything that needs to be done after someone dies, like paying bills and following the directions of the will

Instructions on how a person’s memorial service or ceremony is arranged, which may include where it should be held, the order of the program, songs that should be played, etc.

The person who is given the legal right to take care of a child or other dependents after their caregiver has died

To receive something, like money, real estate or jewelry, from someone who has passed away

A tax on any money or property that is received after someone has passed away

When someone dies without a valid will, the state decides how to divide their property

Instructions on how others should handle their property, healthcare, and other important decisions, if a person can no longer do so for themselves

Specifically states what kind of medical treatments or life support a person wants if they are very sick or hurt and cannot speak for themselves

Instructions on what kind of medical treatment a person wants or doesn’t want if they are too sick or injured to speak for themselves

A ceremony to honor and remember someone who has died, which may or may not involve a burial or cremation

The legal process of proving that a will is valid and making sure the instructions in the will are carried out after someone dies

A legal agreement where someone places their money or property in the care of another person (called a “Trustee”) to be managed or distributed according to their final wishes

A legal document where a person states how to divide and who should receive their property, money, and belongings after they die