Kudos to you if you’ve already completed your estate planning! The next step is to keep it organized and accessible to those who will need it.
Here are the key documents to share with your family:
- Will and/or Revocable Trust
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA Release
- Medical Directive/Living Will
- Declaration of Guardianship
- Appointment for Agent for Disposition of Remains
- Funeral instructions
- Organ donation information
- Letters of instruction for your heirs
- List of persons to contact
- Beneficiary Designations
- Real Estate Deeds and Car Titles
- List of personal property (jewelry/artwork) with estimate values
- Retirement Account information
- Life Insurance Policies
- Financial Statements
- Credit Card information
- Loan/Debt information
- Business ownership information/bylaws/shareholder agreements
Whether you opt for an accordion folder, binder or other method to keep things organized, be sure your heirs know where to find this information.
- Who you want to take care of your pets
- List of subscriptions and memberships
- List of passcodes to security systems or online accounts
Having these items organized and available will simplify a difficult time for your loved ones, and is a great legacy to leave.
