What's the difference between a Notice to Creditors and a Death Notice?
This is a common question. While Death Notices and Notices to Creditors are both published after someone dies, they're quite distinct. Knowing the difference can help you collect outstanding receivables. Below are four differences between these two types of notice.
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Timing - A Death Notice (or an obituary for that matter) is written and published shortly after someone dies. It informs the public about the death, and provides information for the funeral service. A Notice to Creditors can be published days or weeks or even years after someone has died. It's all about when the estate is being administered.
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Claims Window - Unlike Death Notices, Notices to Creditors contain a key piece of information, the claims window. The window is typically open for 30 days from the date of posting (although it can vary). During this period, a creditor can get in touch about outstanding payments. After this window closes, it is much more difficult to collect from the estate.
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Contact Information - While a death notice is often written by the family of the deceased, it gives no indication as to who the trustee of the estate is (if one has even been appointed). Notices to Creditors, on the other hand, identify the trustee (and/or a lawyer working for the trustee) as well as up-to-date contact information. A Notice to Creditors gives creditors all the info they need to come forward with a claim.
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Liability Protection - Because a Notice to Creditors contains important details for creditors, publishing a Death Notice will not protect an estate trustee from liability for outstanding claims against the estate. Advertising for creditors on NoticeConnect is an important step estate trustees should take to protect themselves.
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