Deceased mail forwarding
A rather unusual topic!
Deceased mail forwarding, also known as "dead mail forwarding" or "deceased mail delivery," refers to the process of forwarding mail and packages to the next of kin or executor of an estate after the original recipient has passed away.
Here's how it typically works:
- Notification: The postal service or courier company is notified of the deceased person's passing.
- Sorting and holding: The mail and packages are sorted and held at the post office or courier facility for a specified period, usually several months.
- Search for next of kin: The postal service or executor of the estate searches for the next of kin or executor to notify them of the mail and packages.
- Forwarding: If the next of kin or executor is located, the mail and packages are forwarded to them.
Deceased mail forwarding is important for several reasons:
- Prevents loss or theft: Mail and packages are protected from loss or theft, ensuring that the deceased person's property is preserved.
- Saves time and effort: The process saves the next of kin or executor time and effort in tracking down and collecting the mail and packages.
- Respects the deceased person's wishes: Deceased mail forwarding helps to respect the deceased person's wishes and ensures that their property is distributed according to their estate plan.
In the United States, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has a specific process for handling deceased mail forwarding. The USPS will hold mail and packages for a period of 12 months before disposing of them. If the next of kin or executor is not located during this time, the mail and packages are typically returned to the sender or destroyed.
In other countries, the process may vary, but the general principle is the same: to ensure that mail and packages are properly handled and distributed after the death of the original recipient.