[IncPen]

Tell them to forward their assets to me via FReepMail.

I'll take care of everything...

[JD86]

Suggestions? What if you had been in the WTC on 9/11? Does your family know what they need to?

[mass55th]

I'm a single parent with two grown sons. I was advised to put the name of one of my children on the account. He wouldn't be listed on the account itself and his name wouldn't appear on the checks, but in case anything happens to me, he would have access to the funds and would be able to withdraw any monies in it.

[snippy_about_it]

How about phone numbers or addresses of people you would like contacted. When my mother-in-law passed we knew she had a logtime friend somewhere in Arizona or New Mexico but did not know enough information to contact her. Eventually we did but it took some searching.

[Roy Tucker]

Insurance policies (or where they can be located), details on any employment benefits that may inure to your survivors, bank and brokerage account details.

Lots of money goes unclaimed by beneficiaries who are unaware of its existence.

[nicmarlo]

if you are incapacitated but don't die, what then?

The law firm where I work routinely has an area about pulling the plug, or not (vs. artificial life support forever). It's in their wills. But if they want organs donated, that should be told to the children, too. I have a will, but it's routine--just sell the assets and divide the proceeds in half, unless there's something the children feel is important to them to keep. Otherwise, I haven't specified anything in particular (I probably should do that, like the Hummels or Lladro or jewelry, etc.)

[Bahbah]

I will be happy to send you a complete checklist. Please send me a FReepmail. There are, of course, peculiarities state by state, but I think this will be useful as a checklist.

[classygreeneyedblonde]

Ask them if they have any safety deposit boxes in any banks..........ask them if any of their freinds are holding any of their valuables........if they own any stocks or bonds.......any secret hidden places that should be known in case of death......

[JD86]

Suggestions? What if you had been in the WTC on 9/11? Does your family know what they need to?

[deadhead]

If you die tomorrow, what does your family need to know today?

Where is the key to the safe deposit box at the bank?

[The Raven]

What would you include in such a checklist? Assets change as do life insurance policies...I don't run out and change the will.....How about where the life insurance policies are.

[The Raven]

Desires regarding burial

[The Raven]

combo for the safe.

[1 FELLOW FREEPER]

I am single,and care for an elderly parent.I have all of his medications inside the kitchen cabinet,as well as what to do in case of accidental overdose.If I am not at home, and he should become stricken,there is a walk around phone in every room,and all he need do is punch #4.I have a copy of his will in my safe deposit box,and he has the original in his.

[The Raven]

computer passwords

[RnMomof7]

Insurance policies,401K information, savings/investment statements,papers about death benefits or survivor benefits from work (including the contact people,)adoption papers ,will, deed to property,proof of ownership for boats,autos etc, attorneys name and #,burial plans request..If there is no close family..names and addresses of next of kin..

[Helix]

I think you should mention that in some(all?) states, even a joint account can be frozen, denying access to funds by the survivor, unless it is joint with right of survivorship. Also, a power of attourney for BOTH financial and health care are good to have in case a family member becomes mentally disabled. That way you can avoid a guardianship hearing.

[bluesagewoman]

FreepMail w/my reply. Good Luck to you.

[slouch-no-more]

I would also suggest that funeral plans be discussed in advance with family members and that those plans be clearly documented. This really saves time and makes things easier for the family in those few days immediately following the loss of a loved one.

[SmartBlonde]

This is an excellent service you are providing your clients.

1. If your clients are ill, elderly or travel a lot (upping the possibility of an accident), tell them to destroy any personal letters or photos they don't want strangers to see. For example, a client told me his mother died, then his father died a year later. When the client went to empty out the house, he found 'suggestive' (his word) photos of his Mom and Dad, and some 'steamy' love letters. He said: 'I am not a prude and I've written some of those myself - and there's probably a picture or two around - but I don't want to see my parents like this'.

2. Funeral arrangements. If they are not religious and have no 'home church', ask them to name a person to conduct the service. Do they want a burial or cremation?

3. Leave a note for the family describing unusual circumstances. A close friend's father (a well known physician) died. The two children were planning the funeral when the family lawyer came forward with the dad's will - he had left his body to his medical school for 'scientific study'. The two children were appalled. While the father, of course, had the right to his decision, it would have helped to leave a note explaining his decision.

4. If the client is divorced, should arrangements be made to notify the former spouse upon the client's death?

5. Are there large outstanding debts? A former client died, and THEN the family found out there was a big IOU to a former business partner - a 'demand note'. He had kept this IOU a secret from his family and advisors - and put the estate in turmoil for a long time.