Planning Beyond Life: A Guide to Preparing for the Inevitable
We all plan for major milestones in life—buying a home, starting a family, or saving for retirement. But how many of us take the time to plan beyond life?
In Episode 7 of Dialogues About Death, Chris Miller, owner of Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory, discusses the importance of pre-planning, what happens when someone passes away suddenly, and why having a will or trust is essential.
From understanding what to do in an emergency to ensuring your legacy is protected, this episode provides invaluable insights into preparing for the future.
Why Pre-Planning Your Final Arrangements is a Gift to Your Family
Many people avoid discussing death because it feels uncomfortable or far away. However, pre-planning your final wishes is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.
💡 “Talking about it and getting it out there just relieves the burden. People who pre-plan often say, ‘I should have done this years ago!’” – Chris Miller
Benefits of Pre-Planning Your Funeral:
- ✔️ Reduces stress for your loved ones during an emotional time.
- ✔️ Prevents family disagreements by making your wishes clear.
- ✔️ Locks in today’s prices, saving your family thousands in the future.
- ✔️ Ensures your legacy is honored the way you want.
📌 Want peace of mind? Thomas Miller Mortuary offers free pre-planning guides to help you get started.
📞 Contact:
- 📍 Corona Chapel: (951) 737-3244
- 📍 La Sierra Memorial Chapel (Riverside): (951) 687-0551
What To Do When Someone Passes Away Suddenly
💡 “Who do you call? What happens next?”
Many people don’t know what to do when a loved one passes away unexpectedly.
If someone dies at home (not under hospice care):
- 1️⃣ Call 911 immediately – the police will assess the situation.
- 2️⃣ Law enforcement may call the Coroner if the death was sudden.
- 3️⃣ If no foul play is suspected, the Coroner may release the body to a funeral home.
- 4️⃣ If an investigation is needed, the Coroner performs an autopsy before releasing the body.
If someone dies in a hospital or nursing home:
- The medical staff will notify the family and contact the funeral home directly.
If someone dies while traveling or in another country:
- The local authorities will notify the family.
- A funeral home can coordinate international transportation to bring them home.
📌 Tip: Always have emergency contacts listed in your phone or written down in case authorities need to reach your family.
The Most Common Causes of Death & How to Plan Ahead
Chris discusses the most frequent causes of death he sees at his funeral home.
- ✔️ Heart Disease & Diabetes: Poor diets and sedentary lifestyles contribute to chronic illnesses.
- ✔️ Old Age: Some people live well into their 90s and beyond!
- ✔️ Accidents & Sudden Deaths: Unpredictable events like car crashes or sudden medical conditions can take lives unexpectedly.
- ✔️ Mental Health Struggles: Unfortunately, suicide rates have risen in recent years.
💡 “We are fortunate to be near a ‘Blue Zone’—an area where people live to 100+ years because of their healthy lifestyles. It’s a reminder to take care of ourselves!”
📌 Want to live longer?
- • Stay active
- • Eat whole, unprocessed foods
- • Reduce stress & prioritize mental health
📝 Fun Fact: There’s a Netflix documentary on ‘Blue Zones’ if you want to learn more about communities where people live the longest!
Who Notifies the Family When Someone Passes Away?
💡 “What if a loved one dies while you’re not there?”
- ✔️ If someone passes at home, the police or emergency responders will notify the family.
- ✔️ If they’re in a hospital or nursing home, the staff will call the next of kin.
- ✔️ If they pass away while traveling, the authorities will work with the U.S. embassy or local officials to notify the family.
- ✔️ If someone passes away and no next of kin is listed, the Coroner’s office will try to locate family through public records.
📌 Tip: Keep a list of emergency contacts with your important documents so authorities can reach your family quickly.
What Happens to a Person’s Money After Death?
One of the most common questions people ask is:
💡 “What happens to my money if I die with or without a will?”
If You Have a Will 📝
- ✔️ Your money and assets go to your chosen beneficiaries.
- ✔️ Your estate avoids unnecessary legal fees & delays.
- ✔️ Your loved ones receive their inheritance faster.
If You Die Without a Will (Intestate) ❌
- ✔️ Your assets are frozen and enter probate court.
- ✔️ The government & lawyers may take a significant portion in fees.
- ✔️ Family members must go through months (or years) of legal proceedings to claim their inheritance.
- ✔️ If no family is found, the government keeps everything.
📌 Pro Tip: 💡 “Having a will or trust ensures your wishes are honored and your family avoids unnecessary stress.” – Chris Miller
Bank Accounts & Probate
- • If a person dies with a sole bank account, the bank freezes their funds.
- • If a joint owner is listed, that person can access the money immediately.
- • If a trust is in place, assets avoid probate and are distributed faster.
💡 “A simple will or trust can prevent months of legal headaches for your family. Plan ahead!”
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Plan Beyond Life
📌 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- ✔️ Pre-planning relieves stress for your loved ones.
- ✔️ Know what to do in an emergency—who to call & what to expect.
- ✔️ Take care of your health—it impacts how long you live.
- ✔️ Have a will or trust—it protects your assets & prevents legal delays.
- ✔️ Make sure your bank accounts & estate plan are in order.
Have you started planning your final wishes? If not, what’s holding you back?
📞 Need assistance with funeral planning? Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory offers free consultations and pre-planning guides.
- 📍 Corona Chapel: (951) 737-3244
- 📍 La Sierra Memorial Chapel: (951) 687-0551
📌 Watch the full episode here: Planning Beyond Life – YouTube
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