a before death to-do list

We know that thinking about death is a daunting task, but preparing for death with the appropriate documents offers significant benefits, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. It ensures that your wishes are clearly communicated and legally enforced, preventing potential disputes and easing the burden on your family during a difficult time. We hope this short to-do list helps you get this process started. 

1. Inventory your assets and make a list of all real estate, personal property (of significant value), vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, etc. Also include the account contact information. 
2. Inventory your debts and make a list of all debts as well as debt holder contact information. 
3. Update your retirement account and life insurance beneficiaries to ensure the payable on death beneficiaries are up-to-date. 
4. Update transfer on death designations for bank accounts, investment accounts, CD's, etc. 
5. If you have funeral, burial, or cremation wishes, verbalize those wishes to your family members or write them down. Ensure that your loved ones know where to find these instructions. 
6. Create a "Legacy Contact" for social media accounts and email to ensure that the person you choose can access these accounts after your death. 
7. Choose a Personal Representative to administer your estate and affairs after you die. 
8. Meet with a trusted attorney and Draft a Last Will & Testament and/or a Trust, depending on your needs.
9. Meet with a trusted attorney and Draft a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare/Medical and Financial Decisions to be made prior to death. 
10. Meet with a trusted attorney and Draft a Living Will to assist loved ones in making end of life decisions. 
11. Keep the Original Last Will & Testament and/or Trust, Power of Attorney documents, and Living Will in a safe place where they can be found. Include the list of assets, debts, and accounts with these documents. 
12. Ensure that your Personal Representative and Power of Attorney know where to locate the original documents and how to access the documents. 

We hope this list is helpful in planning for your affairs and ensuring your wishes are clearly communicated and enforced.
​-Jill  

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