Die in Loja? What to do before, and what happens after death

    Whether you move to Loja intending to live out your last days, or are here "temporarily" and not expecting to take your last breath in southern Ecuador, it's good to know the logistics and have a plan for that one thing we can't avoid - death. There are actions you can take in advance, while still healthy, to make your passing easier on both you, and your loved ones. We'll provide a general overview in this blog post.

Part 1, Before

    Advance directives, a Declaration written in Spanish and prepared by a Ecuadorian lawyer and notarized, can help instruct medical personnel about your wishes for interventions. For example, do you want to be resuscitated by CPR, be intubated, or have a feeding tube? Do you wish to have every possible life-extending measure or just sufficient medication to be comfortable while dying naturally? It is good to consider the options and formally identify your desires so others attending you can honor your choices.

    An "informal will" is essentially a list of your possessions and how you would like them disposed after your death - a menu of "who-gets-what." Spouse, children, friends, charities - this can cover most of your estate unless you own property - then a formal will, again prepared by an attorney, is needed or else Ecuadorian inheritance laws will divide up your land/house according to a set formula.

    Of course, it goes without saying, that discussions with children, siblings, and other relatives prior to dying can prepare them for that eventuality and relieve some of the stresses that may arise should you lose the ability to communicate. We also recommend choosing a local person (if possible) to be your medical power of attorney to speak on your behalf should you lose the ability to advocate on your own behalf.

    One more thing to know - organ donation is automatic in Ecuador. If that is something you do not want then you must update your information with the Registro Civil office.

Part 2, After

    Following your last breath or heartbeat is when things really start to get a bit complicated with bureaucratic paperwork but here are the general steps involved...

    If you die in an accident or under suspicious circumstances an autopsy will be required. That is not required if you have been under a doctor's care and he or she provides a document stating death was an expected outcome. That document needs to be updated every six months (to avoid an autopsy).

    Burials in a Loja cemetery are arranged through a funeral home and start around $1500 USD. Alternatively, cremation is common in Ecuador, and costs about $500. Permission from a relative or your designated power of attorney is required and that must be notarized, for another $50. Obtaining that permit to cremate also requires a report from the doctor or hospital called an IEVG, a process that can take up to three days. The final death certificate is obtained through the Registro Civil office.

    To repatriate ashes or a body to your home country a document called a CRODA is required from the consulate or embassy. They need the social security number and copies of the death certificate, passport, and doctor's report. Even if not repatriating, the consulate needs to be notified to register your status with your home government.

    As you might expect, most of the interactions throughout this process are going to be in Spanish. Jona Poma of Life in Loja has helped many expats, and their survivors, to make advance preparations, and to walk people through the complexities following a death. We can help in selecting lawyers, notaries, doctors, and funeral homes. One service we offer that expats find quite valuable is to create a medical record in Spanish and English which can be used for health checkups as well as emergencies. Interpretation and translation services are our specialty. We can even assist with cleaning out an apartment or home if needed.

    We know this can feel overwhelming, but please know you don’t have to navigate it alone. Jona has helped other expats and their families with these steps, and if you ever need guidance or support, he’d be glad to assist. For more information, contact Life in Loja by email, or phone/WhatsApp at 593-098-674-5994.

Life In Loja is registered under Ecuador’s department of intellectual rights as of 2022.