[JD86]

When you started getting your plans together....what documents did your professionals want to see? That might help people get their documents organized...if you can give them a general idea. Thanks.

[JD86]

We've talked about children....has anyone made special plans for their pets?

[ChaseR]

I'm a poor planner, but of course, I don't have big bucks, so I've put off being worried about the end of the line. (mentally lazy or too optimistic, I suppose, in regards to these issues)

[nopardons]

Hmmmmm ... it's been a while. One thing was arranged for us, and that was to have someone, from Christies come out for a mini appraisal. This probably won't help many others. We didn't have EVERYTHING appraised, and knowing what that would have cost, several years ago, I wouldn't advise anyone doing it either. : - )

Since we are methodical people, we have always kept birth certificates, Baptismal certificates, marriage liscense, passports, jewelry evaluations, innoculations / vacination records ( child ) , social security numbers, deeds, etc. in a fireproof safe. The Wills are there too, as well as with the lawyer.

One helpeful hin, that I can give, is IF you are going to give someone something, and you have LOTS of " somethings " ", don't wait until you die ! DON'T clean yourself out ... but it's ways nice to give an heirloom, and actually SEE the joy on the person's face, who is getting it. : -)

There is also a way to leave a museum or a historical society something BEFORE you die, get a tax writeoff, and still keep it, until you do die. ASK YOUR LAWYER / ESTATE PLANNER FIRST ! NEVER ASSUME ! DON'T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT !

Oh, and when you make out your Wills, ALWAYS supply an address and current phone numbers of your heirs, you lawyer !