Following an article by The News on reporting estates, published on February 25, one reader decided to elaborate on it by sharing his Inevitable Strategies, a set of modules intended to facilitate the management of a person’s estate after they have died.

The reader, Dr Ron Mitchell, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bedfordview, said the set offers proactive guidance for a smooth estate plan.

“The word death to many is a crude and hurtful term, but in reality, it is the correct way to refer to the death of a person. We need to steer away from the colloquial terms such as ‘passed’, ‘passed on’, and ‘the late’, to mention a few,” he highlighted.

Dr Mitchell added that we plan for many occasions such as the birth of a baby, coming of age, rite of passage, 21st birthday, weddings and more; however, we don’t consider making plans for our death, which is inevitable.

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He said, “Putting plans into place to deal with the inevitable is not morbid; it should be seen as a loving and caring act.”

Dr Mitchell showed what Inevitable Strategies offers:

1. A plan for living – A discussion revolving around our future, our retirement and including a financial plan for when we die. The family will need to be cared for, including any children.

2. A last and final Will/Testament – Roughly 34% of the South African population have a legal and Final Will. This is a legal and binding document. In the Will, an executor will be appointed who is responsible for the management of the Estate. A life partner has no legal standing in South Africa, and if one is in such a relationship, its particular needs must be addressed.

3. Documentation required – The Executor of the Estate will require a number of documents in order to ‘wind up’ the estate. Inevitable Strategies provides a comprehensive guide to the required documents, including a checklist to facilitate this requirement.

4. How to manage your personal documents – For example, password management of your e-mail accounts, internet accounts, shop accounts and more.

5. Assets and liabilities – A recent list of assets and liabilities will be needed by the executor.

6. A wish list.

7. Funeral/burial policy – What happens to your body once you have died?

8. A broadcast list – Who should be notified about your death?

9. A living will.

10. Organ donor declaration.

For more information, contact Dr Ron Mitchell ronniemitchell98@gmail.com