As a Plan supporter, you don’t just hope for a more equal future for girls — you take action to make that future a reality. You’re a determined optimist who likes to plan ahead.
That’s why many generous people like you take the time to complete the estate planning process: to ensure your loved ones will be cared for, and to continue supporting the causes that are close to your heart.
So, you’ve written your will, but do you have all of the relevant materials collected?
You can make sure your estate administration runs smoothly when the time comes by collecting these 25 essential documents and keeping them together in a safe place, as part of your estate plan.
The essentials
1. Your will
2. Letter of instruction
3. Trust documents
4. Financial power of attorney
Your will is a legal declaration of your wishes regarding your property or estate after death. You should keep a signed printed copy in a safe place along with your letter of instruction to guide your successor, trustee or executor. Also gather paperwork related to any trusts you may have, as well as a financial power of attorney document designating someone to manage your finances on your behalf.
Documents related to your significant other
5. Marriage license, certificate of civil union and/or domestic partnership agreement
6. Divorce decree, dissolution of civil union and/or domestic partnership termination agreement
7. Partner’s military service record (DD Form 214)
Your significant other may need to provide evidence of your current relationship. Or, they may need to prove that a previous relationship has ended. These documents vary by state.
In addition, it’s important to keep your military service record (DD Form 214) along with the rest of your estate-planning documents. This can help your loved ones access special benefits like paid funeral expenses.
Health care documents
8. Personal and family medical history
9. Durable health care power of attorney
10. Authorization to release health care information
11. Living will and/or do-not-resuscitate order
A health care power of attorney document gives someone the authority to make health care-related decisions on your behalf. Whoever you choose for this role will be legally bound to follow your wishes for treatment as outlined in your living will or do-not-resuscitate order. Medical records can also be useful when making decisions about your medical treatment.
Proof of ownership
12. Housing, land and cemetery deeds
13. Escrow mortgage accounts
14. Proof of loans made and debts owed
15. Vehicle titles
16. Stock certificates, savings bonds and brokerage account information
17. Partnership and corporate operating agreements
18. Tax returns
Your will should include a plan for how to distribute your property when you are gone. In order to make sure everything is allocated correctly, your loved ones or the executor of your estate will need documents to prove you are the property’s lawful owner.
Life insurance and retirement
19. Life insurance policies
20. Individual retirement account information
21. 401(k) account information
22. Pension documents
23. Annuity contracts
24. List of bank accounts
25. List of safe deposit boxes
Make sure your loved ones can access your life insurance policy after you’re gone so that they can receive the benefits. Similarly, in order to execute the terms of your will, your representative will need account information for any of your retirement assets you wish to pass on.
Keeping all of the important information in one place can make things much easier for your loved ones after you’ve passed. If you have any questions or concerns about your estate, contact an estate planning attorney in your state for legal advice.
