As you age, you want to make sure that your estate and finances are well organized and accessible for your family and loved ones. The process can be daunting, but there are things that you can do to get your important documentation organized and to aid your estate planning. Bringing this
documentation together in one secure but accessible spot can help you and your family feel better prepared in case a crisis should arise.
Important Documentation
Compiling and organizing your important documentation, including medical, personal and financial, in an easily accessible spot will allow you to better manage your estate planning, which is an essential piece of planning for your family’s future. There are several documents that you should gather, organize, and make readily available:
- Your birth certificate;
- Any marriage certificates and/or divorce decrees;
- Your spouse’s death certificate (as applicable);
- Any military records;
- Your Social Security Card;
- Your health insurance information;
- Your life insurance information;
- Your safe deposit box locations and keys (as applicable);
- Your doctors’ names, phone numbers, and addresses;
- Your mortgage documents;
- Your investment account information;
- Your retirement or IRA information;
- Your car titles, car insurance, and car loan information;
- Your miscellaneous loan information; and
- Your contact information for family and friends.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping is an important aspect of estate planning. As you gather the necessary documentation, take the time to review your files on a regular basis and to ensure that the documents are up to date. Finally, once you’ve gotten your important documentation together and organized, inform those family members who will oversee your estate of their whereabouts. Make sure that you keep your important documentation in a secure location that is also easily accessible.
Keeping it Simple
Estate planning can be very complicated, but by keeping your important documentation together, you’ll help to simplify the matter. In fact, your estate planning revolves around these documents. An experienced estate planning lawyer will help guide you through the process and help you to make sense of your estate.
If It’s Time to Plan Your Estate, Call 732 238-8686 for More Information Today
Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Bowne Barry & Barry Attorneys at Law will ensure that you are comfortable with the process and outcome. Our estate planning attorneys have the experience, dedication, and skill to help you pass your estate smoothly on to your family and loved ones – exactly as you plan. For help with your estate planning, please contact or call the law office of Bowne Barry & Barry at 732 238-8686 today.
