DOCUMENTS
There are numerous documents that you will need to plan and organize your estate. Many of these will be used to actually implement your plan in the event of a disability or death. Your proposed person who will be your Power of Attorney and Executor/Personal Representative/Trustee should have some of these documents or at least the ability to access them quickly.
RECORDS: MEDICAL:
Marriage License Medical History
Divorce Papers Durable Health Care Power
House/Land Deeds Authorization to Release Information
Vehicle Titles Living Will
Tax returns Do Not Resuscitate Order
Proof of Loans Paid
Cemetery Deeds
ACCOUNTS: ESTATE DOCUMENTS:
Bank Accounts Power of Attorney (Durable)
Investment Accounts Will
Pension Accounts Trusts
Life Insurance Policies Letter of Instructions
IRA Accounts Separate writing
Mortgage Loans
Other Loans
Annuity Plans
Business Records and documents
Partnership Records and Documents
Current Debts
Safe deposit box, Location and Keys
Credit Card accounts
List of online accounts, such as bank accounts, social media accounts and others; User names and passwords.
Note: Some institutions may not accept a power of attorney or some other documents without additional verification.
Note: Some medical facilities may not accept certain documents without authorization from family.
Although many of these items can be assembled by your self and some document forms can be found online for you to use, it is advisable to confer with an attorney specializing in this area of law.
Also, see earlier post; Estate Planning with Young Children, if applicable