Have it All in One Place

A listing of important papers would aid survivors in handling details. The following is a suggested outline for documents and information that might be helpful for survivors. Also adding a survivor to your accounts now will also help them out when caring for your bills and accounts.

Many credit card companies and stores request a copy of death certificates when trying to close an account you are not required to do that by law as death certificates contain private information. Be sure you authorize another to make changes on your behalf for utilities and cell phones.

INSURANCE POLICIES

• A LIST OF INSURANCE COMPANIES SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THIS LIST SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING APPROPRIATE INFORMATION FOR EACH OF THE POLICIES:
• NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF INSURANCE COMPANIES.
• AGENT’S NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER
• POLICY NUMBER
• TYPE OF INSURANCE (LIFE, LONG TERM CARE, ANNUITY, AUTO, HOMEOWNERS, ETC.)
• PREMIUM (MONTHLY, ANNUAL, AUTOMATIC DEDUCTION)
• BENEFITS
• BENEFICIARY
• ISSUE DATE
• DATES IN FORCE
• CASH VALUE IF ANY

CREDIT CARDS & BANK ACCOUNTS

• LIST THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR EACH:
• CREDIT CARD COMPANY OR BANK
• ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER
• CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
• EXPIRATION DATE
• TYPE (FLEX, CHECKING, ATM, ETC.)
• CREDIT LIMIT
• BALANCE ON (DATE)

LIST OF CURRENT MONTHLY BILLS

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• ITEM DUE (UTILITIES, INSURANCE, CREDIT CARDS, ETC.)
• DATE AND AMOUNT DUE
• HOW PAID

HOME INFORMATION

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• DATE OF MORTGAGE
• MORTGAGE BALANCE
• LOAN NUMBER
• MORTGAGE HELD BY  
• ASSESSMENT
• PARCEL NUMBER
• LOT DESCRIPTION
• ASSESSED VALUE & AMOUNT AND DATE TAX IS DUE
• EXEMPTIONS

WILLS AND POWER OF ATTORNEY

LIST THE FOLLOWING:

• TYPE OF WILL (WILL, LIVING WILL)
• POWER OF ATTORNEY (STANDARD, HEALTH CARE)
• LOCATION OF DOCUMENTS
• PREPARER OF DOCUMENTS
• NOTE ACTION TO BE TAKEN (REVIEW, CHANGES, ETC.)

MISCELLANEOUS

• NOTE THE LOCATION OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:
• SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX LOCATION AND KEY
• PREPAID FUNERAL & BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS
• MARRIAGE & BIRTH CERTIFICATES
• HEALTH RECORDS
• AT&T BOOKLETS (MEDICAL, LIFE INS, ETC.)
• INVENTORY RECORDS
• AUTO TITLES
• MILITARY DISCHARGE
• SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
• OTHER IMPORTANT PAPERS