Here is a list of information that your family needs to know after you pass away in order to make it easier for them to handle the estate and inheritance issues that may arise. It can be very costly for your family not to know these things. A lack on knowledge could cause delay in the distribution of assets.
Your family should know:
1) The location of your Last Will and Testament or Revocable Living Trust
2) The name of the person who holds your Appointment for Disposition of Remains and the location of your cemetery plot deed
3) The location of the statements and other papers related to your:
a) Bank accounts
b) Brokerage accounts
c) IRA/401K accounts
d) Pension
e) Funeral/burial fund
f) Life insurance policies
g) Long term care insurance policy
h) Health insurance policy
i) Liability insurance policy
j) Internet passwords
k) Deed to the house
l) Title to the car and the boat
m) Mortgage
4) The location of your income tax and gift tax returns and the name of your accountant
5) The location of your Partnership Agreement, Business records and Business Succession plan
6) The name of the person who has your authorization to access, change and/or close your various internet accounts
7) The location of your Safety Deposit Box and the keys
8) The name of your estate planning attorney and whether you wish for your estate matters to be handled by that attorney.
9) Your Family Tree starting with your great grandparents and going through your grandchildren’s generation
10) Notes telling your family that you love them and that you want them to understand that your legacy requires them to continue to get along with each other and to love each other despite the fact that you are no longer present to referee for them or to smooth out misunderstandings between them. Getting along with each other is what makes your family really terrific.
Don’t delay what you can do today. Call an elder law attorney to make sure your survivors are protected.
