Checklist to Leave with Your Will

Leaving those who survive you an organized estate with accurate records will save time and money.

At a minimum, leave information regarding the following in a place where your family can easily find it:

  • Your personal history including names, addresses and telephone numbers for yourself and all of your current family members and family members from previous marriages;
  • Your military service including your branch and dates of service;
  • Your employment including present employer and employment benefits (life insurance, stock options, pension plans and contact information for each);
  • Real estate you own including copies of deeds;
  • Financial accounts including name of institution and account numbers;
  • Stocks and bonds held in brokerage accounts and the name and phone number for the brokerage firm;
  • Automobile make, model and year and location of title of any loan information;
  • Business interests including type and amount of ownership;
  • Safe-deposit boxes
  • Insurance policies
  • Funeral/Burial instructions
  • Tax returns
  • Wills
  • Trusts
  • Power of Attorney for Property
  • Power of Attorney for Health Care
  • Living Will
  • Name and phone number for your lawyer, accountant and doctor
  • Important friends to notify upon your death

Consult your estate planning attorney for further information.