Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to be planning and organizing for end-of-life and emergencies?
If you’re over 18, it’s time to start planning. Whether you're starting a family, recently divorced, dealing with a diagnosis (your own or a loved one’s), or just trying to get organized for the future, planning now brings peace of mind. I work with solo agers, adult children supporting aging parents, and those navigating major life transitions who want to reduce the stress on their loved ones later.
Are your services only for the elderly or terminally ill?
Not at all. Most of my clients are in their 30s to 60s—solo agers, sandwich generation caregivers, and busy professionals who want to be proactive about planning. You don’t have to wait for a crisis to get your affairs in order.
How do you support people who are anxious or avoidant about death?
Planning doesn’t have to feel heavy. My approach is gentle and grounded—I blend practical tools with emotional support, and we move at your pace. I create a space where it's okay to feel overwhelmed, unsure, or even a little resistant.
What is advance care planning, and why does it matter?
Advance care planning includes documents like a healthcare proxy, living will, and advance directives. These ensure your medical wishes are followed if you're ever unable to speak for yourself. It's a gift to your loved ones—relieving them from making difficult decisions without guidance.
Why should I work with you as my end-of-life and legacy planning partner?
I bring together the practical (legal and mediation experience) and the personal (grief support and death doula training) to help you feel both empowered and cared for. You won’t just get a checklist—you’ll get a steady hand through the process.
What is the difference between end-of-life planning and estate planning?
End-of-life planning is about more than just legal documents — it’s about thinking through the emotional, practical, and logistical decisions that will impact your loved ones when you're gone or if you become unable to speak for yourself. Estate planning tends to focus on legal tools like wills and trusts. My work blends the two, supporting both the paperwork and the people side of things.
How is your approach different from traditional estate planning?
Estate planners often handle the legal side. I focus on the human side—the emotional, digital, logistical, and legacy components of preparing for what’s next. I’m here for the conversations and questions that don’t fit neatly into a will.
Do you work virtually or only in-person?
I work virtually with individuals and families across the country. If you’re in NYC or Brooklyn, we can meet in person, but most clients find video calls and secure online tools to be very convenient.
What does a death doula do?
A death doula (or end-of-life doula) is a non-medical professional who supports individuals and families before, during, and after death. I provide emotional support, help with logistics, and make space for grief and legacy in ways that feel personal and healing.For more information, check out an article I wrote on the Role of Death Doulas in the Modern Age.
What is the difference between a death doula and a traditional medical professional?
A death doula, or end-of-life doula, focuses on providing emotional, practical, and logistical support to individuals and their families as they navigate the end-of-life journey. Unlike traditional medical professionals, who primarily focus on the medical care of the individual.
Can you help me talk to my parents about planning?
Yes, I specialize in helping adult children gently start these conversations with their parents. Whether you need a script, a strategy, or a third-party to help facilitate the dialogue, we’ll find a way to approach it with care and clarity.
Do I need to plan even if I don’t have kids or a partner?
Absolutely. Solo agers often need a plan even more, so your wishes are known and trusted people are identified to help carry them out. You deserve the same peace of mind and protection — and I’m here to help make that happen
Do you help after someone has died?
Yes. I offer after-loss consulting to help with all the administrative and emotional logistics after a death — things like organizing paperwork, supporting executors, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks during a really hard time.
What happens to my online accounts and passwords after I die?
Unless you plan ahead, it can be difficult for your loved ones to access your digital life. I help you create a secure inventory of your accounts, passwords, and instructions so that nothing is lost or left in limbo.
What is an emergency planning binder, and do I need one?
Think of it as your family’s go-to roadmap in case of illness, death, or disaster. It includes everything from medical info and legal documents to contacts and account access. I help you create a personalized, easy-to-follow version tailored to your life. You can take a look at the Plan Well Organizer here.
How do you help after a death?
Executor responsibilities can be overwhelming—there are forms to file, accounts to close, and loved ones to care for. I help families about a month after a death (or sooner if needed) by offering after-loss support that includes both logistics and grief navigation.
Can you support me even if I already have an estate attorney?
Definitely. I work alongside your legal and financial team, helping to organize, prepare, and ensure that your plan is holistic and truly reflects your values. I fill in the emotional and practical gaps that legal documents alone don’t always cover.
When is the best time to start end-of-life planning?
Right now :) Whether you're healthy and young or caring for an aging parent, planning ahead protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress. Life changes like marriage, divorce, buying a home, or a health diagnosis are perfect moments to pause and plan.
I'm Healthy & Young! Why Should I Plan Ahead?
The time is now to prepare for unforeseeable circumstances. Planning ahead makes it easier for your family to act according to your wishes and handle logistics while experiencing the emotions related to grief.
What documents should I prepare for end-of-life and estate planning?
Some key documents include:
Will and/or trust
Power of attorney
Healthcare proxy
Advance directives
Living will
A digital asset inventory
Emergency contact and login info
I help you think through these decisions and organize all of this in one place—digitally and practically.
Do you draft legal estate documents?
While I have a legal background, I don’t draft legal documents. I collaborate with excellent estate attorneys and can refer you to someone trustworthy and aligned with your needs.
Do you offer digital legacy or digital estate planning services?
Yes! I help you create a secure inventory of your online accounts, social media, and digital assets so that your loved ones can access and manage them when needed. This includes guidance on legacy contacts, password managers, and secure sharing.
How often should I update my end-of-life documents and plans?
Review your documents every few years or after major life changes—marriage, divorce, having children, buying property, or health changes. I offer check-ins and updates to keep your plan current and useful.
How soon after a loss should I seek help?
Typically, I begin working with families about a month after a loss. If you need help more immediately, I’m here for that as well.
What emotional support do you provide after a loss?
I offer compassionate emotional support to help families process their grief. This includes active listening, facilitating conversations about feelings and memories, and providing a safe space to navigate the complexities of loss. I also guide families through the logistical challenges, which can alleviate some emotional burdens.
Do you offer support for caregivers and adult children of aging parents?
Absolutely. Many of my clients are adult children helping their parents get organized. I help you start the conversation, get clarity on what’s in place, and figure out what’s missing—so you’re not left scrambling in an emergency.
What’s included in after-loss support or executor help?
I guide you through what needs to happen after a death—canceling accounts, handling documents, finding what’s needed for probate or estate closure, and creating space to grieve. This includes both practical checklists and emotional support.
Can I schedule a planning session before there's a crisis?
Yes—and I encourage it. Planning while things are calm gives you more control and less pressure. Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, I’m here to help you take the first steps.
Do you offer referrals for legal, financial, or emotional support?
Yes. I have a trusted network of attorneys, financial planners, grief therapists, and more. I’ll help you build your team so you don’t feel like you’re navigating this alone.
How do your packages and pricing work?
I offer several package options depending on your needs. You can choose a planning or after-loss support package (3, 5, or 10 hours), or begin with a starter package that includes 2 strategy calls and a personalized action plan. We’ll find the right fit together.
Can I give your services as a gift?
Yes, absolutely. You can purchase a gift session or package for a loved one who needs support. Reach out to coordinate details—this can be a beautiful act of care.
What areas do you serve?
I work virtually with families all over the country. If you’re hoping to connect in-person, I serve NYC & Brooklyn.
What’s the best way to contact you?
You can reach out via the contact form on my website or email me directly at marni@beginwiththeend.co. I’d love to hear from you and support you wherever you are in the process.