{"id":719,"date":"2021-08-18T13:48:36","date_gmt":"2021-08-18T20:48:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/easeenet.com\/blog\/?page_id=719"},"modified":"2021-08-18T13:49:58","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T20:49:58","slug":"the-25-documents-you-need-before-you-die","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/easeenet.com\/blog\/the-25-documents-you-need-before-you-die\/","title":{"rendered":"The 25 Documents You Need Before You Die"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By: Rachel Donnelly, Black Dress Consultants<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Romain Dancre<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s face it, planning for our own mortality is uncomfortable and hard. No matter what our circumstances or background, we all share some level of discomfort around death and therefore often avoid end-of-life planning at all costs. Even though end-of-life planning is the greatest gift you can give to your family, it can be overwhelming to know how and where to start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A decade ago, the Wall Street Journal<\/em> published an article detailing \u201cThe 25 Documents You Need Before You Die\u201d which is a wonderful reference to help as you get started. However, just as your life and circumstances are ever-changing, so should be your approach to compiling this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many things have changed over the last 10 years. You have a larger online presence than you might think and as you make plans to protect your physical property and assets, it is also wise to consider your digital footprint. With this in mind, here is the list with a few updates to best help you prepare for your family and protect your legacy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Last Will & Testament<\/strong>: Your will is the document that determines who will inherit any of your assets if there is no joint ownership, or beneficiaries not filed at an institution<\/li>
  2. A Financial Power of Attorney (POA)<\/strong> allows you to designate someone to handle your finances if you are unable to do so<\/li>
  3. An Advance Health Care Directive <\/strong>is a combination of your Living Will (how you want to be treated in certain medical circumstances) and the naming of a Health Care Proxy\/Power of Attorney (authority to make medical decisions for you)<\/li>
  4. Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNR) <\/strong><\/li>
  5. Personal & family medical history<\/strong> (including your list of medications)<\/li>
  6. A HIPAA Authorization to release information<\/strong> gives your permission to release protected health information about you to designated parties<\/li>
  7. Housing, land, cemetery deeds <\/strong><\/li>
  8. Escrow mortgage accounts<\/strong> <\/li>
  9.  Proof of loans made and debts owed<\/strong>  <\/li>
  10.  Vehicle Titles <\/strong><\/li>
  11.  Stock certificates, savings bonds, brokerage accounts<\/strong><\/li>
  12.  Partnership and corporate operating agreements <\/strong><\/li>
  13.  Tax returns: <\/strong>6 years from filing date<\/li>
  14.  A Letter of Instruction<\/strong> to convey requests and important information, such as where you want your ashes scattered or how you want your funeral or memorial service to be performed <\/li>
  15.  <\/strong>A list of Passwords & Digital Accounts<\/strong> to access accounts as well as the unlock code to your phone and password to your computer, laptop and\/or external hard drive<\/li>
  16.  A Digital Estate Plan<\/strong>, which includes how you want your social media accounts to be handled after you’re gone as well as the name of who will carry out your wishes (also known as a digital executor)<\/li>
  17.  <\/strong>List of safe-deposit boxes<\/strong> and where the keys are located <\/li>
  18.  Life insurance policies<\/strong> <\/li>
  19.  Individual retirement accounts and\/or 401(k) account information<\/strong> <\/li>
  20.  Pension documents<\/strong> <\/li>
  21.  Annuity contracts <\/strong><\/li>
  22.  Marriage license<\/strong> <\/li>
  23.  Divorce papers <\/strong> <\/li>
  24.  A list of Important Contacts <\/strong>with phone numbers, email addresses, etc.<\/li>
  25.  <\/strong>A Legacy Letter <\/strong>or Ethical Will, <\/strong>which may include your personal or family history\/stories, beliefs, values, and life lessons for future generations<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    Photo by James Schultz<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Once completed, please make sure your family knows these documents and wishes exist and how they can access them. Here are a couple of tips to help optimize your document do-gooding: <\/p>\n\n\n\n