|
If you are the type of person who changes windshield wiper blades on your car before it rains, you
may not need to read this column. If, however, you typically overlook preventative maintenance, you
should read further and consider my advice.
When an adult dies, the survivors are left with the often difficult task of identifying and locating
property, money and important documents that must be accounted for and transferred. Because of the
obvious circumstances, it may not be a pleasant task, but the practical burden can be greatly relieved
by a little planning and organization.
I urge you to take the time now to put your affairs in order.
A simple system of file folders, properly labeled and all in the same location, will make it much
easier for your survivors to handle necessary administrative, business and financial matters after
your death.
Use this checklist as a guide in assembling the contents of your file folders:
- Your will, if you have one.
- Trust documents, if you have a trust.
- Instructions regarding your funeral or burial, if you have special requests.
- Life insurance policies.
- A list of organizations to which you belong that provide life insurance (credit unions, auto
clubs and so on).
- Health and accident insurance information.
- Marriage certificates.
- Divorce decrees, if any.
- Birth certificates or adoption papers for your children.
- Military papers (including discharge and Veterans Administration documents).
- Social security numbers and documents.
- Deeds to real estate.
- Real estate loan documents (mortgages, deeds of trust, etc.).
- A complete list of your investments and property, with information regarding who to contact about
each.
- Evidence of all bank accounts.
- A reference to the location of any safe deposit boxes you rent and keys to each.
- Automobile titles or a reference to their whereabouts.
- Evidence of money owed to you (promissory notes, etc.).
- References and documents pertaining to money you owe, including charge account and loan account
numbers.
- Copies of recent income tax returns.
- Other important documents and information.
|
