Essential information for your family: What should accompany your estate planning documents
As an estate planning attorney in Idaho, I've seen how challenging it can be for families to gather necessary information after a loved one becomes incapacitated or passes away. Being prepared isn't just about having a will or trust and power of attorney documents — it's about ensuring your family has access to crucial information when they need it most. Here's a guide to the essential information you should organize and share with trusted family members, or anyone else you are entrusting to take the reins when it matters.
Financial Assets and Accounts
Create a detailed inventory list of your financial assets, including:
• Bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement accounts with account numbers and institution details
• Life insurance policies with policy numbers and benefit amounts
• Real estate holdings, including property addresses and mortgage information
• Business interests and key business contacts
• Safe deposit box locations and access information
Digital Assets and Online Accounts
Document access information (passwords) for:
• Email and social media accounts
• Online banking and investment platforms
• Digital currency accounts and wallet information
• Cloud storage containing important documents
• Password manager details (if you use one)
Important Documents
Maintain a file containing:
• Estate planning documents (will, trust, healthcare directives, powers of attorney)
• Essential personal documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, military records)
• Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid information
• Recent tax returns
• Vehicle titles and property deeds
• Insurance policies
Regular Bills and Financial Obligations
Keep a current list of:
• Utility accounts and recurring payments
• Credit card accounts
• Mortgage or rent payments
• Property tax schedules
• Insurance premiums
• Outstanding loans or debts
Personal and Medical Information
Include key details such as:
• Full legal name, other names use in the past, and identifying information
• Medical history and current conditions
• Current medications and healthcare providers
• Medical insurance information
• Organ donor status
Final Wishes
Document preferences for:
• Funeral and burial arrangements
• Cemetery plot information (if purchased)
• Religious or cultural considerations
• Specific bequests of personal items
• Pet care instructions
Professional Contacts
Maintain a list of:
• Estate planning attorney
• Financial advisor and tax professional
• Insurance agent
• Primary care physician
• Employer HR contact
• Trusted family members to notify
Keeping Information Secure Yet Accessible
While this information must be available to your family, security is crucial. Consider these practices:
1. Store physical documents in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box
2. Use a secure password manager for digital information
3. Share access details with only the most trusted people
4. Review and update information annually
Final Thoughts
Taking time to organize these details now will save your loved ones countless hours of stress later. While it may seem daunting, tackle this task one section at a time. Consider it an act of love for your family — giving them clarity and organization when they need it most.
Your estate planning attorney can help you ensure this information aligns with your overall estate plan. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance in creating and maintaining your estate plan now to avoid problems in the future.
My law firm is currently offering free telephonic, electronic, or in-person consultations concerning creating or reviewing estate planning documents.
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Robert J. Green is an Elder Law, Trust, Estate, & Guardianship Attorney and the owner of Kootenai Law Group, PLLC in Coeur d’Alene. If you have questions about estate planning, probates, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianships, Medicaid planning, or VA Benefit planning, contact Kootenai Law at 208-765-6555, Info@KootenaiLaw.com, or visit www.KootenaiLaw.com.
This has been presented as general information and not as legal advice. Do not engage in legal decision-making without the advice of a competent attorney after discussion of your specific circumstances.