Co-op Legal Services has today launched a Bereavement Notification and Advice Service to help people deal with a late loved one’s affairs.
Recognising the demand and unexpected loss people are facing due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the unique service will mean bereaved people can access help informing financial institutions, stopping junk mail and logging off social media.
Across the UK loved ones are left to deal with an average of 12 organisations from registering a death, using the Government’s Tell us Once service, dealing with pension providers, insurers and utility providers and corresponding with the Coroner.
Research conducted by the Co-op showed a quarter (25%) of bereaved people found administering their loved one’s estate stressful, a sixth (15%) found it upsetting and almost a tenth (8%) had to take time off work.
In addition, there’s junk mail to stop and instructions to be sent to banks and building societies to freeze or close accounts to reduce the risk of fraud.
However, each service comes with a unique process, specific information requirements and timeframes, that most people perhaps wouldn’t be aware of unless having gone through the ordeal previously.
The Co-op is hoping to relieve this added pressure on bereaved people across the country, by supporting them through the various processes by providing advice and pre-populated letters.
The service includes guidance on how to log off social media accounts, an increasingly complex process, with the average person now having between five and nine accounts, according to recent research by Co-op.
Caoilionn Hurley, Managing Director of Co-op Legal Services and Life Planning said: “Families struggle with the sheer volume of organisations that need to be told about the death of a loved one and now Co-op can be there to help and support.
“Dealing with a late loved one’s affairs is never easy, but the current situation is making it impossible for people to grieve and come to terms with their loss. As a result, sorting out paperwork and informing banks can feel like an unbearable task. However, it’s crucial that people do take action as soon as possible, to prevent fraud and not prolong the grieving process.
Co-op’s Bereavement Notification and Advice Service: What’s included?
To find out more about the service, visit: https://www.co-oplegalservices.co.uk/probate-solicitors/bereavement-notification-service/ or call 0333 060 7182
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