The Leaving Plan

Abigail Cockroft

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The Leaving Plan Podcast — Starting honest, practical, and even elegant conversations about life’s final plans. Each month, we share thoughtful tips and expert advice on Wills, funeral instructions, and preparing for a graceful, well-planned exit — helping you make sure everything is in place for the people you love.

APR 24

Episode 7 - House Clearance After Bereavement

The Leaving Plan – Episode 7 House Clearance After Bereavement or Moving Into Care Guest: Janet Stevens A practical, supportive guide for anyone facing house clearance after loss or later-life transitions. Clearing a loved one’s home can feel overwhelming, emotional, and logistically complex. In this episode, I am joined by Janet Stevens, who shares expert, compassionate advice on how to approach house clearance after bereavement, or when someone moves into care. With over 20 years’ experience in antiques and supporting families, Janet explains where to start, how to avoid overwhelm, and what really matters when sorting a lifetime of belongings. We talk about how to handle paperwork, valuables, probate, and family dynamics, plus practical tips on donating, selling, and responsibly clearing items. This episode offers reassurance, clarity, and simple steps to help you feel more in control during a difficult time. Key Topics Where to start when clearing a houseAvoiding overwhelm and decision fatigueHandling paperwork, utilities, and insuranceWhat to keep, donate, sell, or recycleManaging family dynamics and disputesThoughtful ways to rehome belongings Connect with Janet Stevens for further tips, advice and supportive posts Website: www.janetstevens.net Instagram: @_janetstevens_ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of bereavement, death, and end-of-life planning. If you are experiencing grief or a difficult time, we are truly sorry. Our intention is to offer support, clarity, and reassurance. I hope that listening may help you prepare, and approach sensitive conversations with confidence.

33 min
MAR 27

Episode 6 - Death Abroad, Repatriation & Safe Travel

In this episode, I'm joined by Lloyd Figgins from The Trip Group, and Fiona Greenwood from Rowland Brothers International, two experts in travel safety and repatriation. We explore the realities of travelling abroad, the importance of planning for the unexpected, and what happnes when death occurs overseas. Lloyd and Fiona share invaluable guidance, practical tips, and hard-earned experience on navigating these difficult situations. From ensuring safe travel to understanding repatriation procedures, this episode offers insight that every traveller, or anyone supporting loved ones abroad, should hear. We also discuss the importance of having conversations before you travel, removing barriers, and making it easier for everyone involved if the unthinkable happens. These are not morbid topics; they are acts of care that can make a challenging situation more manageable. For more information, please look at Lloyd and Fiona's website which are full of information and advice: http://www.thetripgroup.com http://www.rowlandbrothersinternational.com TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of bereavement, death, and end-of-life planning. If you are experiencing grief or a difficult time, I am truly sorry. Our intention is to offer support, clarity, and reassurance. Listening may help you prepare, travel safely, and approach sensitive conversations with confidence and clarity.

33 min
FEB 27

Episode 5 - The Importance of an LPA

In this month’s episode, I’m joined by Anthony Belcher from The Will Writers Society for an essential conversation about Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), a document that is just as important as your Will. Anthony clearly explains what a Lasting Power of Attorney is, why you need one, and how to go about putting it in place. We explore how an LPA ensures your voice is heard at a time when you may not be able to speak for yourself, and how it signals to doctors, financial institutions, and authorities exactly who you trust to make decisions about your health and welfare, as well as your property and finances. We also discuss why, although we hope you’ll never need to use it, having an LPA in place can bring enormous peace of mind, both for you and for the people you love, and why it should be a core part of your Leaving Plan. For more help on this subject, and will writing, please check out their website http://www.willwriters.com ⚠️ Content note: As always, please be aware that if you are currently experiencing grief or going through a difficult situation, this episode may contain triggers. We talk openly about death, loss, and grief while navigating this important administrative structure. 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, and discomfort. My hope is that this episode helps bring clarity, focus, and encouragement, and most importantly, inspires you to add this vital document to your own Leaving Plan. Next Month’s Guests:- Next month, I’ll be joined by Fiona Greenwood of Rowland Brothers International and Lloyd Figgins from TRIP Group. It’s a fascinating discussion about staying safe while travelling globally, and about having those difficult but essential conversations pre travel, with loved ones around a Plan B, just in case support is ever needed, or the worst happens. The episode will be released on the last Friday of the month.

30 min
JAN 29

Episode 4 - Funeral Planning

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.

44 min
12/26/2025

Episode 3 - Probate

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 executorsProfessional assistance and guidance can ease the executor's responsibilities Chapters 00:00 Understanding Probate06:24 Managing the Deceased's Property13:07 Asset Search and Valuation19:21 Valuable Items and Professional Assistance26:01 Executor's Responsibilities and Documentation31:16 Contesting the Will and Legal Implications

24 min
11/28/2025

Episode 2 - Difficult Conversations

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.

16 min
10/30/2025

Episode 1 - The Importance Of A Will

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.

36 min
10/30/2025

The Leaving Plan - Trailer

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.

1 min

8 Episodes

The Leaving Plan Podcast — Starting honest, practical, and even elegant conversations about life’s final plans. Each month, we share thoughtful tips and expert advice on Wills, funeral instructions, and preparing for a graceful, well-planned exit — helping you make sure everything is in place for the people you love.

Creator

Abigail Cockroft
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

8
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 Abigail Cockroft
Show Website

The Leaving Plan

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Updated Semiweekly