25 Important Documents to Keep Safe/Handy Before You Die

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The Wall Street Journal has a great article on the 25 most important documents you need to have before you die. I highly recommend you reading the whole article as they make some great points.
THE ESSENTIALS:

  • Will
  • Letter of Instruction
  • Trust Documents

BANK ACCOUNTS

  • List of all bank accounts
  • List of all usernames and passwords
  • List of safe deposit boxes

PROOF OF OWNERSHIP

  • Housing, Land and Cemetery Deeds
  • Escrow mortgage accounts
  • Proof of Loans made and Debts Owed
  • Vehicle Titles
  • Stock Certificates, Savings Bonds and Brokerage Accounts
  • Partnership and Corporate Operating Agreements
  • Tax Returns

HEALTH CARE CONFIDENTIAL

  • Personal and Family Medical History
  • Durable Health Care and Power of Attorney
  • Authorization to Release Health Care Information
  • Living Will
  • Do Not Resuscitate Order

LIFE INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT

  • Life Insurance Policies
  • Individual Retirement Accounts
  • 401(k) Accounts
  • Pension documents
  • Annuity contracts

MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

  • Marriage license
  • Divorce papers
Brian Chew, the managing partner of OC Wills & Trust Attorneys, has extensive experience in the areas of estate planning, asset protection planning, business succession planning, long-term care planning, and veterans’ benefits. By devoting his practice to estate planning matters, he has founded a firm that strives to provide exceptional service to their clients by working closely with individuals and their families to create comprehensive and customized estate plans. For the past twenty five years, Brian has served thousands of clients in the matters of estate planning, wills and trusts. If you have any questions about this article, you can reach Brian Chew here.