Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to be planning and organizing?
Whether you're experiencing a life milestone (having a child, married/divorced, have experienced a health scare or have a family member who has a diagnosis), accumulating wealth, or simply recognizing the importance of preparedness, now is the right time. If you’re over 18, the best time to plan is now.
Are Your Services Only For The Elderly?
Absolutely not! I primarily work with people in early-to-mid age.
How do you address the fear and anxiety associated with death?
My approach is gentle, focusing not just on paperwork but also on providing emotional support, making the experience more comfortable and allowing you to navigate at your own pace.
What are advance directives, and why are they important?
Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate their wishes. These documents are crucial because they ensure that your medical decisions are respected, provide clarity to your loved ones during stressful times, and help avoid family disputes regarding your care.
Why should I choose you as my end-of-life and legacy planning partner?
My unique combination of legal expertise, mediation skills, and empathetic approach as a trained death doula allows me to support clients in a holistic manner. I prioritize your wishes, provide emotional support, and guide you through both planning and grieving processes, ensuring that you feel empowered and cared for at every step.
How does your holistic approach differ from traditional planning services?
My services bring all the technical skills from my legal and mediation experience and meet them with the emotional intelligence and soft skills of an empath who is also a trained death doula.
I live in another state, can you still help?
Our services are not bound by location, assistance and referrals to attorneys and other professionals in your particular state are included. I using virtual consultations, video calls, and secure online platforms to provide support and guidance from afar.
What is an End of Life Doula?
“End of Life Doulas” and “Death Doulas” (they can be described interchangeably) are non-medical professionals who help navigate the emotional, practical and logistical components of death, dying and grief. 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 explain the role of a death doula in the grieving process?
As a death doula, I support families not just before death but also during the grieving process. This includes providing emotional support, facilitating conversations about feelings and memories, assisting with logistics, and helping create meaningful memorial experiences. My goal is to ensure that families feel supported and understood as they navigate this challenging time
When Should I Start Planning?
Now! If you’ve recently started a family, gotten married or divorced, purchased a home, have started to make a higher salary, or have experienced illness, these are all great moments to begin to 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 planning?
Important documents to consider include a will, power of attorney, healthcare proxy, advance directives, and a living will. Additionally, it’s helpful to gather information about financial accounts, insurance policies, and digital assets to ensure everything is easily accessible for your loved ones
Do You Draft Legal Documents?
While I am an attorney, I do not draft your estate planning documents - I have great referrals who do that part!
How does your service help with digital estate planning?
I assist clients in organizing their digital assets, such as online accounts, social media, and crucial digital documents. This includes creating a digital inventory and sharing access information with trusted individuals to ensure your digital legacy is managed according to your wishes.
How often should I review my end-of-life plan?
It’s recommended to review your end-of-life plan every few years or after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or changes in your health. Regular reviews ensure that your wishes reflect your current values and circumstances.
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.
Can I schedule a consultation with you before a loss occurs?
Absolutely! I encourage individuals and families to reach out for a consultation even if they are not currently dealing with a loss. Planning ahead can provide peace of mind and help create a foundation for future decision-making.
Do you offer referrals?
I sure do! If here to help find that team to help make your life easier. This can include a trust & estate/probate attorney, financial planner, accountant, therapist, or grief counselor.
How do you charge?
I charge in packages of time. Depending on the complexity of the situation, you can begin with 10, 20 or 30 hours of assistance. For those who prefer to do the bulk of the work themselves but need some initial guidance on how to get started, I offer an intro package that includes 2 calls and a customized roadmap that you use to get organized and stay on track.
Can I gift your services to a friend or family member who is struggling?
You can purchase a session as a gift to be used when they’re ready to talk to someone. Reach out for more details.
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 is the best way to contact you if I have additional questions?
The best way to reach me is through my website's contact form, or you can email me directly at marni@beginwiththeend.co. I’m more than happy to answer any questions you may have or set up a consultation to discuss your specific needs.