West Orange—When her close friend passed away last year, attorney Fredda Katcoff of West Orange watched the family spend weeks searching for the deceased’s will, even as they were dealing with their own grief and loss. She knows many families that have not known the location of their spouse’s or parent’s bank accounts. One family did not discover funds until after probate was closed. Another literally sat in the dark because they could not find the checkbook. Yet another had to hire a forensic computer expert to examine the computer of a distant relative who had died unexpectedly. Other bereaved families have had to deal with household emergencies like floods just days after losing a parent.
Katcoff was determined to do something to prevent this heartache, chaos, and monetary loss and remove at least one burden from families already struggling with grief. Along with Dorene Richman and Scott Chait, Katcoff started Orderly Affairs. For a modest fee, Orderly Affairs consolidates and digitizes its clients’ critical information during an in-home consultation. The information is uploaded to a flash drive that the customer can provide to a loved one. The consult, which uses Orderly Affairs’ proprietary form as a springboard, gives family members the necessary information to address issues that may arise concerning its client’s finances and household. It also helps preserve the client’s preferences about funeral arrangements, distribution of assets, and other matters.
Katcoff explains that because it is no longer the norm for seniors to live with their children and because relatives are often hundreds of miles away, the potential for difficulties has increased. Additionally, with the number of two-income households increasing and investments and employee benefits becoming more complex, the need to provide loved ones with complete guidance is imperative. At the same time, the Internet has led to a decrease in snail mail and an upsurge of online accounts, complicating even further the location of assets and liabilities.
Estate organization is not a do-it-yourself job. People tend to put off the task, and certainly do not update their affairs every three years as Orderly Affairs recommends. It is difficult to think of everything that may be necessary in an emergency situation. Some people erroneously believe that their accountant has everything that will be needed; however, many assets are not reflected on tax returns, assuming families even can find the return. Tax returns also do not address funeral arrangements or how to manage the decedent’s house.
Orderly Affairs offers mobile scanning to enable digital storage of critical documents like driver’s licenses and marriage licenses. Katcoff emphasizes that legacies are more than people’s finances and homes; as a result, the company also scans other important documents including heirloom recipes and correspondence.
Orderly Affairs also offers a unique brand of advance directive or “living will.” It helps its clients complete a medical history so their healthcare representatives can communicate effectively with their physicians.
No one wants to add to their loved ones’ burdens; Orderly Affairs offers a simple, inexpensive and comprehensive solution. The company does not retain any of the information, and it is insured and bonded. Besides being the last best gift to your family, Orderly Affairs is a great gift to yourself, providing you with peace of mind.
For more information, contact Orderly Affairs at 1-844-Orderly (673-3759) or [email protected]. Visit their website at www.orderlyaffairsonline.com.
By Dorene Richman
