If you die tomorrow, what does your family need to know today? (Lawyer Needs Freeper Help)

JD86 | 12/06/01 | JD86

[JD86]

If you die tomorrow, what does your family need to know today? (Lawyer Needs Freeper Help)

I'm an attorney who helps clients with estate planning and other money matters, but I won't claim that I "know it all". I need Freeper advice.

I once had an elderly client who always told his family "When I die, everything you need is in the manila folder". When he died, we searched high and low but we never did find that folder. As a result, it took years to settle his estate.

That shouldn't happen. I am putting together a booklet for my clients - a checklist of sorts - to help them keep track of important family information.

I'm asking for your suggestions. What would you include in such a checklist?

First - the practical. Doctor's name, where's the will, your desires regarding any minor children ... what else?

Second - the emotional. Would you tell your children you are proud of them? To stop smoking? Dump their lousy mate? What else?

Is there anything you would change about what your parents did? Have you made a checklist yet? If so, what's on it?

Also, if you are incapacitated but don't die, what then?

I have a client who has all her medications listed and taped to the inside of her kitchen cabinet and all her family knows where to find it. Do you have any other ideas like that?

Thanks to all in advance for your suggestions. Please post or send me FreeperMail.

[JD86]

Be very glad you don't have to think about that in your family...:) Congratulations.

[P-Marlowe]

When he died, we searched high and low but we never did find that folder.

Maybe you misunderstood their directions. A lot of people hide important stuff in the freezer. Did you try looking in the Vanilla Folder?

[JD86]

I think it would be a good idea to have your vet's name on the list. They would know your pet's medical history. And think about who could/would give your pet a good home if you are not around to do so. My sister raises Arabian horses and she has a list of who gets which horse...:)

[JD86]

Great idea....actually the house went to one of the heirs and they remodeled it totally and the folder was never found.
I personally inspected his car in case he hid it in there. We have no clue what happened to it.

[Gracey]

But you have a wife and children, and perhaps a house, so you should be concerned about them.

Of course, I shouldn't talk... I'm learning more from others tonight.

[JD86]

We're all poor planners until we lose a friend or a family member and we get motivated. That is why all the FReepers are sharing their experiences and their suggestions.

[P-Marlowe]

I've been appointed as executor of my Uncle's estate and he has some stuff hidden in the ceiling tiles of his mobile home. Frankly I have forgotten exactly where it is myself, I have no idea which room it is in, and I'm too embarrassed to ask again, cause he's really old and I don't want him to think that I think that he's about to croak any minute-- even though he just might.

I think my wife has a better idea than I do. I guess we'll figure it out when the time comes, eh?

[Gracey]

My sister raises Arabian horses and she has a list of who gets which horse...:)

Arabian horses are more than pets...they are a ASSET in addition to arousing love and emotion. I think of cats and dogs and being mostly in the non asset category but nice to know they're not being taken to the local pound after one's demise.

Personally, I don't have any animal pets at the moment. I am in the market for a nice graying, lovable human male to adopt. Know of any in your neighborhood?

[JD86]

Well, as long as you know it is in the ceiling, you can find it later....unless he moves it and does not tell you...:) It happens.

[JD86]

I am in the market for a nice graying, lovable human male to adopt. Know of any in your neighborhood?

LOL, If I knew, I would not tell...:)

[nopardons]

Hmmmmm ... it's been a while. One thing was arranged for us, and that was to have someone, from Christies come out for a mini appraisal. This probably won't help many others. We didn't have EVERYTHING appraised, and knowing what that would have cost, several years ago, I wouldn't advise anyone doing it either. : - )

Since we are methodical people, we have always kept birth certificates, Baptismal certificates, marriage liscense, passports, jewelry evaluations, innoculations / vacination records ( child ) , social security numbers, deeds, etc. in a fireproof safe. The Wills are there too, as well as with the lawyer.

One helpeful hin, that I can give, is IF you are going to give someone something, and you have LOTS of " somethings " ", don't wait until you die ! DON'T clean yourself out ... but it's ways nice to give an heirloom, and actually SEE the joy on the person's face, who is getting it. : -)

There is also a way to leave a museum or a historical society something BEFORE you die, get a tax writeoff, and still keep it, until you do die. ASK YOUR LAWYER / ESTATE PLANNER FIRST ! NEVER ASSUME ! DON'T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT !

Oh, and when you make out your Wills, ALWAYS supply an address and current phone numbers of your heirs, you lawyer !

[JD86]

ASK YOUR LAWYER / ESTATE PLANNER FIRST ! NEVER ASSUME ! DON'T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT !

LOL, You are so coachable..!!

[falfa]

Many a family feud has begun after such "agreements" were disputed after death. Highly suggest giving those items to those you love while you are still living if at all possible.

[JD86]

Arabian horses are more than pets...they are a ASSET in addition to arousing love and emotion

Well, she has a bunch of them...and some she has had for a long time. She isn't married and doesn't have children...so she is giving the "special" horses to people she knows will take care of them. We might end up selling some to liquidate her estate, but I know most of the horses will be spread among her friends.

[ChaseR]

"I'm learning more from others tonight."

Yes, thanks to JD86. Thank you JD86 for all your efforts!

[ChaseR]

"That is why all the FReepers are sharing their experiences and their suggestions."

And I, the lazy one - am right here - all ears.
Thank you again JD86. Jeff.

[JD86]

There's nothing we like more than a man who listens. As we say down home, "Your momma raised you right."

[nopardons]

LOL I do try very hard to be so, dear friend . : - )

[Labyrinthos]

From one lawyer to another, the first thing your client ought to know is the name, address, and telephone number of his lawyer.

Forgive me for being skeptical, but if you practice estate work on a regular basis, then you ought to know what questions to ask. If you don't do that kind of work on a regular basis, then you shouldn't and have no need to ask the questions in the first place.

I do commercial litiagtion. If a client needs estate work, then I send him to an estate lawyer. If my client is busted for drugs, then I refer her to a criminal attorney. And if his business is getting screwed, then I ask for an appropriate retainer, and go to work.