It is not difficult to imagine the sense of panic when faced with the sheer administrative hassle of the end of life, despite the fact that it will come to us all sooner or later. As we get older, all that needs to be done can feel alarmingly daunting.
The good news is that Sir Peter Thornton KC has rationally organised and prioritised everything we need to know, and presents it in a simple, straightforward way that encourages us to complete all the necessary tasks.
With chapters on what to do before death, money, pensions, inheritance tax, scams, health, home, care, your rights, and what to do after the death of a loved one, this award-winning and best-selling book puts all the information in one place. It is as easy to follow as a shopping list.
“Peter Thornton is like a death doula. I've already ordered five copies... Deeply practical.”
“Sir Peter Thornton gives practical and reassuring tips to keep your life organised as you get older.”
“It is a book that I wish that I had had at a time when I needed to deal with the administrative after-effects of sudden death, and know that I should be implementing to make sure that I have my death file suitably arranged for when the time comes.”
“Required read upon hitting 65 years of age - thorough step by step advice on how to organise your affairs for the benefit of those who will need to deal with them after you have gone.”
“This is a valuable book for everyone to plan for the inevitable - our ultimate decline and demise. In my view, it is not just for the over-50s because accident, tragedy or debilitating illness can strike us at any age. The book centres around the creation of a "Death File" to communicate our wishes and essential information to our loved ones. Unlike the activities undertaken by those who fear disaster and the possible collapse of society, this is true "prepping" for what is ultimately inevitable.”
Brilliant!
“Helpful, informative and very well written! A read for all generations to help prepare for what later life entails for both yourself and your loved ones. BRILLIANT!”
Essential guide to life management and planning
“I bought this book after I heard an interview with the author on Off Air with Fi Glover and Jane Garvey (Times Radio). It covers all the awkward, but essential, stuff we don't like to think about like writing a will, setting up a power of attorney for yourself and/or a relative. I've recommended the book to all my friends as I found it so useful. We're all in those middle years when you need to think about aging parents and consider your own future.”
Essential reading for every adult
“This is a valuable book for everyone to plan for the inevitable: our ultimate decline and demise. In my view, it is not just for the over-50s because accident, tragedy or debilitating illness can strike us at any age. The book centres around the creation of a "Death File" to communicate our wishes and essential information to our loved ones. Much of the legal aspects cover UK law, particularly as it is applied in England, with differences for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland pointed out. The book doesn't just cover legal and financial affairs. It gives advice on maintaining health, de-cluttering and downsizing as well.”
A must for everyone!
“This is an extremely practical and helpful book. We have just created Death Files, having all necessary documents in one place, which will be hugely beneficial to our children. I would highly recommend this book, and would suggest it's bought earlier rather than later, so readers and their relatives are armed with the appropriate information before it's needed in an emergency, or is too late.”
Useful reference book
“Bought it to update my will and anything that would be necessary to arrange as one ages.”