Our Sympathy

Everyone knows they are going to die sooner or later. While we all hope it is “later”, we should put our affairs in order for the benefit of our loved ones. Great comfort can be achieved by knowing that advance planning for the inevitable will have eased the trauma of your passing for your family.

All too often, when a family member dies, relatives have no idea where the deceased’s important papers are located. As a result, this creates an additional burden on the grieving loved ones. By putting our affairs in order, we can simplify the necessary responsibilities our family members will be required to handle.

The most important considerations to be addressed for this time are as follows:

• Create a will: Conference with your attorney to draft a list of your final wishes, i.e. burial preferences, asset allocations, etc.
• Create a living will: This instrument will appoint someone of your choice to make decisions regarding life-sustaining medical care in the event of your incapacitation.
• Durable power of attorney: This is given by you to a person of your choice to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate.

Recently, there was a case where a woman had been in a coma for twenty years. She was, of course, unable to communicate. Her husband wanted her to be removed from life support; her parents disagreed and this battle went to the courts. The United States Government even got into the fray. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the husband and the woman was allowed to die. This case brought to the general public the importance of having a living will and power of attorney stating your wishes when you are unable to do so.

• Finances: Debts: This information should be located in a place known to your beneficiaries. List whatever debts your spouse or estate may be responsible for after your death such as property tax, liens, etc.
• Finances: Assets: List all assets for your beneficiaries, such as:

- Life insurance policy or policies
- Pensions
- Ira, Keogh, etc.
- Social Security benefits
- Medical insurance coverage
- Veterans benefits
- Checking and bank accounts
- Certificates of Deposit
- Stocks and bonds
- Real estate holdings
- Miscellaneous investments

Be sure to list any and all assets not covered by the above - including documented personal loans to friends or business associates.

• Applicable personal documents:

- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Social Security information
- Divorce decree
- Military discharge papers
- Naturalization papers
- Adoption papers
- Income tax retFuneral Options for past seven years

• Miscellaneous insurance coverage documents:

- Automobile
- Property
- Accident
- Hospitalization

Information should also be available regarding friends, business associates, organization memberships, financial planner, insurance agents and attorney or attorneys.

• Credit cards:

- Account numbers
- Contact information

Your loved ones should be advised of the location of these documents so they can be readily accessed after your death.

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