<prompt> Human: So, it seems like almost all the people I know keep getting caught off-guard emotionally and financially when a family death takes place.Partly, I think this has a bit to do with the _denial of death_ and partly, poor planning.I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of getting caught off-guard when I get the phone call. So...1. How does one plan for a potential family death?1. On average, how much does it cost and how long does it take from death -- wrap up?1. Can you pre-pay for cremation services and other costs AHEAD of time and have them on retainer like a lawyer? and would they refund the cost if I didnt use them? What happens if someone passes FAR away from the cremation service?1. What actions can I take with family members NOW so it would be much easier on me?...Anything else?Just curious.  <response>: THREE. Yes, you can pre-pay. Make sure multiple heirs know what the plans are, and where the paperwork is. Keep the deed to the burial plot and other documents NOT in a bank safe deposit box. You need someone to be able to access the documents immediately. As soon as I turned 18, my parents showed me where their documents are kept. That was 40 years ago.I keep a photocopy of my elderly moms living will and medical POA in my car, and as a PDF in Dropbox. Every doctor she sees also has a copy in her file. Same with her trust documents and financial POA, every one of her financial institutions has copies on file. FOUR. If youre the one who will handle things, you should strive to keep a great relationship with your family members and never give them any reason to mistrust you. Ask them to sit down with you to go over their documents and their wishes. If documents are already existing, make copies and keep them in a safe place at your home. If new documents are being prepared, get 2 sets of originals and you keep one set. If trust is strong enough, consider having your name as POD on an account of theirs so you can access funds immediately for immediate expenses like hosting a funeralmemorial, and paying any remaining final expenses. 