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Baby Boomers

In reply to the discussion: i need some advice [View all]
 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
3. Get all of your paperwork in order.
Thu Feb 27, 2014, 03:54 PM
Feb 2014

And yes, this is the kind of thing an estate planning lawyer would be happy to help you out with.

This isn't comprehensive but you need:
a will
a durable power of attorney for health care and other decisions. Think very carefully about who should have this, and that person may need to change over time.
Put a trusted person on your checking and savings accounts as the one who is paid on your death. There's a term for that. The bank will know what it is. Make sure that trusted person is either informed when you do that, or will find out quickly upon your death.
You may possibly want to retitle your car if you have one, and your home if you have one in a way that makes it easier to pass on. But this is something the estate planning attorney will know.
Think about what you want in terms of a funeral or burial, and make sure that those wishes will be followed. Do keep in mind that funerals are for those left behind, and if you have good friends and colleagues, they will want to memorialize you. Don't completely deny them that opportunity.
If you have any companion animals, have written instructions about them.

Again, that's not comprehensive but it's a good start. I do hope you have some good friends that can be entrusted with the information. Alternatively, you can set up everything needed through a good attorney, and make sure that once a year she rechecks with you about contact information of those who will need to be informed after your death.

And good for you for caring enough to plan ahead.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

i need some advice [View all] shireen Feb 2014 OP
just saw this on the top of the latest page Kali Feb 2014 #1
thanks Kali shireen Feb 2014 #2
Get all of your paperwork in order. SheilaT Feb 2014 #3
Thank you SheilaT shireen Feb 2014 #4
That is very considerate of you. SheilaT Feb 2014 #5
"leaving a mess" OKNancy Feb 2014 #6
yes! that's the worst part of it. shireen Feb 2014 #7
As my Irish grandmother used to say "God love you" -- You're sweeter and more unselfish whathehell Mar 2014 #8
what about your partner and your pets? shireen Mar 2014 #9
It's all under control.. whathehell Mar 2014 #10
unfortunately, shireen Mar 2014 #11
I'm sorry to hear that, Shireen, whathehell Mar 2014 #12
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