Show Notes
This is one of those episodes that takes a little courage both to make, and perhaps to listen to. But we think you'll come away from it feeling more informed, less alone, and ready to take at least one step you've been putting off. Death and end of life planning are topics most of us avoid. Add childlessness into the mix and the silence gets even louder because so much of the information, guidance and legal framework out there assumes that you have someone: a child, a close family member, someone who knows you and will step in when the time comes. For a growing number of people, that assumption simply doesn't hold. In this episode we bring together three guests with distinct and complementary expertise to have the conversation that so many childless adults need and so rarely get. In this episode we cover:
What end of life planning actually means, from advanced care planning right through to after death
Powers of attorney: what they are, how they work, and crucially, what your options are if you don't have someone you trust to appoint
Advanced Statements and Advanced Decisions to Refuse Treatment and why Penny argues these matter more than most people realise
The concept of social death and how childlessness shapes the experience of ageing and loss
What happens to your belongings and why recording the provenance of meaningful items matters
The gap in legal guidance around local authority funerals and why it urgently needs updating
Why there is currently no central register of wills in England and Wales and what that means for people who die alone
The role of animals in later life, and the organisations that can help
Assisted dying legislation: what it means (and doesn't mean) for powers of attorney right now
Our guests: Charlotte Dixon — wills and probate solicitor and lifetime lawyer Professor Gail Letherby — sociologist and researcher specialising in childlessness, identity and the life course Penny Shepherd — coordinator of Ageing Without Children East Kent and trustee of the Ageing Without Children (AWOC) charity Please note: Nothing in this episode constitutes personal legal or financial advice. Laws and frameworks vary by country and region, always do your own research and consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your circumstances. Resources and links mentioned: Ageing Without Children (AWOC): awoc.org Office of the Public Guardian (England & Wales): gov.uk/opg National Will Register: nationalwillregister.co.uk The Cinnamon Trust: cinnamon.org.uk Cats Protection: cats.org.uk Dogs Trust: dogstrust.org.uk Ashes to Admin: Stories from the Caseload of a Local Authority Funeral Officer by Evie King Continue the conversation: Join The Full Stop Community at thefullstoppod.com/fullstopcommunity The Full Stop is a podcast for and about the childless not by choice community. New episodes available on all major podcast platforms Download the transcript
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