In episode four of The Leaving Plan, I’m joined by Nick and Jacqui from White Rose Modern Funerals in Twickenham. Together, we explore the positive changes happening within the funeral industry and how much more personal, thoughtful, and creative funerals can be today. Nick and Jacqui share their experience, knowledge, and practical tips on how to start open conversations about funeral planning, wishes, and ideas, without fear or awkwardness.

As always, this conversation focuses on the admin of death planning. If you are currently experiencing bereavement or living with a terminal illness, you have my deepest condolences. My intention is never to cause upset or distress, but to help people feel more confident having these conversations rather than avoiding them out of fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.

If you do listen, and I truly hope you do, there’s a moment towards the end where Nick talks about natural burials - You’ll hear birdsong in the background, and nowhere else in the episode. It made me smile, so I wanted to share that with you.  Because even though we have a very positive conversation, a few tears were shed as I was editing it.

I hope my conversation with Nick and Jacqui helps encourage those important, sometimes difficult conversations with friends and family. And please remember: there are so many fresh, beautiful, and meaningful options available now, far removed from the old Victorian model of funeral parlours and services.

To find out more about White Rose Modern Funerals, visit

http://www.whiterosemodernfunerals.co.uk 

their website is full of genuinely helpful information and guidance.

The conversation covers the process of Probate, Executor's responsibilities, initial steps after death, managing the deceased's property, considerations for executors, supporting executors, contesting the will, asset search and valuation, unforeseen assets and tax implications, document management and asset records, valuable items and professional assistance, probate and estate contestation, executor's responsibilities and documentation, and selecting professional assistance. All the fun stuff!!? But I really hope these little tips are helpful for you.

Takeaways

• Understanding the probate process is crucial for executors
• Professional assistance and guidance can ease the executor's responsibilities

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Probate
• 06:24 Managing the Deceased's Property
• 13:07 Asset Search and Valuation
• 19:21 Valuable Items and Professional Assistance
• 26:01 Executor's Responsibilities and Documentation
• 31:16 Contesting the Will and Legal Implications

Welcome back to the podcast and to Episode 2, where we’re diving into a topic that everyone faces but few feel prepared for: difficult conversations. Today, I’m joined by my friends, and two incredible sisters, Jane and Nancy, who bring honesty, warmth, and real-world insight to the table. Together, we explore why tough conversations matter, how to approach them with confidence, and what they've learned from their own experiences.

Episode 1 – The Importance Of A Will
For this episode, I am joined by Sue O’Loughlin from Cornerstone Wills. Our conversation delves into the critical importance of having a Will, addressing common misconceptions, the consequences of not having one, and key considerations in the Will writing process.

We chat about the need for education on Wills, the role of Executors, and the impact of not having a Will on surviving family members.

We also discuss the importance of choosing the right Will writer, the costs involved, and the necessity of open conversations about estate planning.

Having a Will is one of the most important things you can do for your family, and peace of mind for you.  

Trailer - introducing The Leaving Plan.
The Leaving Plan is a practical, encouraging podcast that helps you get your affairs in order — from wills and power of attorney to everyday admin. No grief talk, just clear, matter-of-fact guidance to help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.