Last week I spoke of THE important conversation about estate planning. This week I will continue that theme with a list of documents that should be current and readily available.
Having these documents will save you time, money and angst.
Top of the list is a will. Is it current? Have you married, divorced, had kids or changed the state in which you live? Who has the original? We left ours with our attorney who reitred and moved leaving no contact information. When my husband died we had a copy but needed the original. So technically, he died intestate. What a nightmare I was left to unravel in the throes of grief.
Will
Durable Power of Attorney
Property Deeds (house, land)
Letter of Instruction (last wishes)
Marriage License
Divorce Decree and Judgment
Birth Certificate(s)
Vehicle Titles (boat, car, RV, motorcycle)
Outstanding Personal Loan Agreements (friends, family)
Life Insurance Policies
Healthcare Proxy
Living Will
Deed for Cemetary Plot
Take an inventory of your documents. How many can you find? How many do your parents have on hand?
You may have to request a copy from your attorney or town clerk. And of course, keep them in a safe place in a fireproof box.
Promise yourself you will collect these documents by Labor Day 2014.
Be $ smart, update and inventory your important documents to save you time and money.
