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.

[zip]

And if you're Bill Clinton . . . names of all children, claimed and unclaimed

ROFL

[JD86]

Great point! I hadn't thought of that.

[screed]

time shares
warranties
DD-214

[JD86]

Can you post something at the Canteen about this thread so we can get their input? Thanks.

[JD86]

No soliciting.....this is freepers helping freepers....:)

[VA Advogado]

They used to guarantee you a free burial if you were a Vet, but I think they took that promise away.

Hey, dont knock the VA. You'll still get a flag. :)

[LarryLied]

There is a gallows humor which makes jokes about this most serious necessity. But conservatives should pay attention. A lot of wrongs can be righted, much family discourse can be avoided and wounds healed if everyone accepts that even after they are dead, they have certain responsiblities they should have seen to.

That said, I have a great lawyer-bashing joke about wills. But until this thread hits 100 replies, I'm not gonna tell it.

Unless I am assured upfront of 35% of the credit and laughs.

[deadhead]

I've always told anyone that if I die, notify the VA. They used to guarantee you a free burial if you were a Vet, but I think they took that promise away.

When was this benefit taken away? I have Vets in my family and I don't think they know this.

[keats5]

My mom died this past August, and I'm the executrix. I guess that means I'm an expert. My mom also acted as an executrix when her mom died, so she was well prepared. While she was strong, she made a list for me which included:

1) every bank account she owned with identifying data;
2)every insurance policy she owned;
3)location of her will, house title, car title and boat title;
4)every health insurance card she owned (photocopies work fine);
5) list or location of any other assets, such as stocks, bonds, etc.;
6) location of checkbook;
7)location of recent bill stubs (invaluable to change address to have bills sent to administrator's house, or to cancel unnecessary services);
8)list of names and phone numbers of whom to call;
9) list of specific bequests (helpful even if informal); and
10)names and locations of preferred physicians and hospitals.

While she was healthy she signed a Power-of Attorney, a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. The Power-of-Attorney was especially helpful to allow me to pay her bills while she was too ill to deal with such things, and made my transition to executrix easier after her death. I already knew what I needed to know by then. We also pre-arrainged her funeral while she was alive, together. I'm so glad we did.

[RnMomof7]

And if you're Bill Clinton . . . names of all children, claimed and unclaimed. :)

Or Jesse Jackson *grin*

[1 FELLOW FREEPER]

I picked up some good ideas here myself. Thanks.

[JD86]

Excellent. That's why I asked all of you. I would never have thought about drycleaning and film. Thanks.

[JonH]

Clean Out the Safe Deposit Box before the bank learns of death. Living wills Joint accounts with rights of survivorship Insurance policies Power of Attorney Gifts (and gift letters) List of all bank, IRA, 401(k) and broker accounts List of business interests, loans, contingent liabilities, etc.

[Twins613]

That said, I have a great lawyer-bashing joke about wills. But until this thread hits 100 replies, I'm not gonna tell it.

Good Lord, you sound like Bud Selig :)

A bump because I wanna hear Larry's joke. My sister's an attorney and I can always use extra ammo :)

[JD86]

How about the name of the CPA who has been doing your taxes? They usually keep copies in their office.

[JD86]

Hi lawgirl, we finally meet. UK, Dec '86.....

What you say about personal items is very true, I have all my clients write a letter listing those items and then reference it in the will. In Kentucky, the letter would be valid and binding if it is referenced in the will and predates the execution of the will. I don't know about other states, but they probably have something similar.

[JD86]

Thanks for the professional perspective. We can all learn from each other.

[Fred Mertz]

Very good advice. Too bad you're a government agent. Thanks again.

[Iowa Granny]

I would be happy to post about this thread in the Canteen, JD86, but I don't know how to do links. I will 'ping' some Canteeners.

[Salvation]

What kind of funeral is desired(including kind of service or memorial and officiators/clergy, songs to be sung); where the burial plot is; contact numbers for all credit card companies (Many have bereavement specialists.); insurance policies; birth certificate of the deceased and every member of the family (for claiming any Social Security funds for minors).

Possibly burial or funeral home arrangements and detailed instructions if property is to be distributed to children in case the spouse has also died.

That's about all I remember for now. Maybe I will remember some other things as I read the thread.

I know I would not have lived through this time in my life without the help of many family and friends.

One thing I had never thought of before--during the funeral proceedings--have someone at the house--sometimes burglars will take advantage of the public funeral notice and burlarize a residence. Also ask for help in answering the phone. Keep a phone log.
Salvation