“Time defines the evolution of a human life; a soul’s legacy is clouded when seasons are left unplanned.” Michael Howard Giles
What is Help?
Heirloom Estate & Legacy Preservation (HELP) aims to educate individuals about the elements of estate planning. HELP encourages and empowers individuals to have open dialogue, mediation, or counseling with family members and estate executor/executrix or personal representative prior to a major illness, incapacity or death to ensure personal affairs and effects are handled according to the wishes of the individual.
The Catalyst for HELP
My mother suddenly passed away while on vacation in La Ceiba, Honduras, where she was raised. She died intestate, meaning without a will, and she had no plan in place. However, in retrospect we think she knew of her imminent death and wanted to be in La Ceiba to see her father one last time and be buried with her mother. My mother's funeral was my first encounter with a home funeral. Her casket laid in my aunt's living room above two cauldrons of ice.
My father also died intestate leaving a home in which only his name appears on the deed. The legal nuances in rectifying this are challenging and vast. Needless to say, becoming an end-of-life planner and end-of-life doula is personal for me.
Our Services
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15 Minute free consultation (Safe space to discuss medical directives, wills, final wishes and more)
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Legacy Plans
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Ethical Wills
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Obituaries
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End-of-life rituals for home funerals
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Referrals to estate lawyers and financial professionals in your jurisdiction
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Presentations to groups about end of life plans
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Podcast
The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this site without seeking legal or other professional advice.
The Founder
My interest in wanting to help people with their end-of-life plan stems from witnessing so many people die with no plan in place. Procrastinating and being unwilling to put a plan in place, has the potential to sow family discord and lead to legal challenges. I am determined to educate and empower individuals to plan for a “good death” as those in the doula movement have labeled it.
Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., I have a degree in Fashion Buying & Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and a B.A. degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Washington. I have a paralegal certificate from Delaware State University and completed coursework in Estate Planning at the University of the District of Columbia, through the Center for Legal Studies. I am also a graduate of the Going with Grace End-of-Life Doula Training, a member of the National End of Life Doula Alliance and Board President of the International End of Life Doula Association. I am licensed to teach Zumba, Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba and Zumba Sentao.
Testimonials
“The notion of a Death Doula -someone who walks you through the various stages of preparing for a loved one's (or one's own) transition-is a blessing. While it may seem gloomy, Angelyn's demeanor, expertise and network not only help with making hard decisions, but she is also a beautiful human being to have by one's side during the process. Thank you, Angelyn. Great, important work that we must ALL pay attention to.” Zerline Hughes Spruill, Washington, DC
"Our life here on earth is finite, so live, love and leave a lasting legacy today!"
Angelyn C. Frazer-Giles