Everything you need to know about using FarewellDesk.
FarewellDesk manages the administrative work that follows a loved one’s passing. We generate letters to banks, government agencies, insurers, and subscription services on your behalf. You review and approve each letter before it goes out. We then send it and follow up if there is no response.
You should have legal authority to act on behalf of the estate — typically as the named executor or estate administrator. You can also invite other family members to help manage tasks, but the person who creates the estate is responsible for approving all correspondence.
For each task, we draft a formal letter using your estate details. You review it, make any edits you like, then click Approve. Once approved, we send the letter with your name as executor. The institution receives the letter from you — FarewellDesk is identified as the platform used to send it.
Some institutions — particularly government agencies like the Social Security Administration and the Canada Revenue Agency — do not accept email notifications. For these tasks, we prepare a print-ready letter and handle physical mail delivery on your behalf. Delivery typically takes 3-7 business days.
For many tasks, yes. Banks, insurers, credit bureaus, and government agencies typically require a certified copy. Upload it once to your Document Vault and we will attach it automatically to every letter that requires it.
We track the send and set a follow-up timer. If you have not logged a response from the institution within the expected window (typically 14 days), we send you an email reminder to follow up. Once the institution responds, you log the response in the app and the task is marked complete.
Yes, always. Every draft is fully editable before you approve it. You can change any wording, add account numbers, or adjust the tone. We never send anything without your explicit approval.
Yes. You can invite family members by email from the Family section. They can be granted viewer access (read-only) or co-executor access (can manage tasks). Each person needs their own FarewellDesk account.
Yes. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest. Documents in your vault are stored in a private, access-controlled system. Only you and invited estate members can access your estate. We do not sell your data or use it for advertising.
No. FarewellDesk is an administrative tool. We help you draft and send correspondence — we do not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. For complex matters such as probate, will disputes, or tax filings, we recommend consulting a qualified estate lawyer or notary.
FarewellDesk is currently free to use. Physical mail delivery incurs a small per-letter fee which will be shown before you approve the send.
FarewellDesk supports estates in the United States and Canada. Task lists and letter templates are tailored based on whether the deceased was located in the US or Canada.
Still have questions?
Email us at support@farewelldesk.com and we will get back to you within one business day.