Last week, we posted about the costs of probate, but there’s another obvious cost of probate — which is that it always happens while someone is grieving. Grief is real and although it’s not part of the legal aspect of work, it is a real part of what we do.

To be clear, this is not my area of expertise, which is why I think it’s important to use resources for this. This is just what I have read and been advised are helpful. If you have other suggestions, please do reach out to me! I welcome additions to the list.

Books:

• Grief is Love: Living with Loss, by Marisa Renee Lee

• It’s OK that You’re Not Not OK, by Megan Devine

• What Looks Like Bravery, by Laurel Braitman

• Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief, by Dr. Joanne Cacciotore

• Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, by David Kessler

• Resilient Grieving, by Lucy Hone

• Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: And other lessons from the Crematory, by Caitlin Doughty

• As Long As You Need: Permission to Grief, by J.S. Park

• Being Mortal - Atul Gawande (which is, I think, more helpful in the caretaking role, prior to death)

Podcasts:

• All There Is With Anderson Cooper

• It’s Ok That You’re Not Okay with Megan Devine

Doula:

• Robin Palmer Blanche works with people nationwide who are dealing with grief, anticipatory grief, and planning for their own deaths, https://www.youwereheredoula.com/

Therapy

I won’t give recommendations on a therapist because I think this is completely unique to the individual. If you have a relationship with a therapist, that’s the best place to start.

If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal or having suicidal ideation, please contact 911 or 988 to access immediate help.