Before death, get your affairs in order with these 11 tips

Related Articles

The ripple effects of US tariffs on Chinese manufacturers, shipping, and the broader economy

April 11, 2025

Amplify your brand with a creative content collaboration from Sweet TnT Magazine

April 11, 2025

Parallels and differences: Comparing the 1929 stock market crash to today’s financial climate

April 10, 2025

“Talk with those closest to you and make all your wishes KNOWN!” Juli Rasmussen offers helpful advice on how to get your affairs in order before death.

I am spreading this information for those of you who don’t have your affairs in order. My hope is that the list at least helps you to start an important conversation with your loved ones before death.

If the following documents are done, you can AVOID probate. If they are not done, one has to open an estate account at the bank. All money that doesn’t have direct beneficiaries goes into this account. One must have an attorney to open the estate account.

5 reasons to hire a men’s rights divorce attorney

The attorney also has to publicise your passing in the newspaper or post publication at the county courthouse, to allow anyone to make a claim on your property. It’s a complete PAIN!

Documents to organise before death

1. Bank accounts

Make sure all bank accounts have direct beneficiaries. The beneficiary need only goes to the bank with your death certificate and an ID of their own.

2. Deed for home

TOD = Transfer on Death deed if you own a home. Completing this document and filing it with your county saves your heirs THOUSANDS. This document allows you to transfer ownership of your home to your designee. All they need to do is take their ID and your death certificate to the county building and the deed is signed over. Doing this will avoid the home having to go through probate.

3. Living Will

Living Will allows one to put in writing exactly what you want done in the event you cannot speak for yourself when it comes to healthcare decisions.

Life cycle: 5 segments of being alive

7 Best ways to show care to seniors

4. Durable Power of Attorney

Durable Power of Attorney allows one to designate a person to make legal decisions if one is no longer competent to do so.

5. Power of Attorney for Healthcare

Power of Attorney for Healthcare allows one to designate someone to make healthcare decisions for their person.

An in-depth look at health insurance for diabetes

5 reliable healthcare apps for providers

6. Last Will and Testament

Last Will and Testament designates to whom personal belongings will go to.

7. Make a Funeral Planning Declaration before death

Funeral Planning Declaration allows one to say exactly one’s wishes as far as disposition of the body and the services.

Leave clear instructions for heirs

8. Account numbers

Make a list of all banks and account numbers, all investment institutions with account numbers, lists of credit cards, utility accounts, etc. Leave clear instructions as to how and when these things are paid. Make sure heirs know where life insurance policies are located.

Why do I really need insurance?

9. Logins and passwords

Make 100% sure SOMEONE knows your Apple ID, bank ID account logins and passwords.

10. Titles

Make sure you have titles for all vehicles, campers, etc.

11. Avoid lingering questions

MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!! Talk with those closest to you and make all your wishes KNOWN! Talk to those whom you’ve designated, as well as those close to you whom you did not designate. Do this to explain why your decisions were made and to avoid any lingering questions or hurt feelings.

Conclusion

Hope this helps! I hope this lights a spark to encourage all your friends and family to take care of these things to make it easier for those we all leave behind!

– Source

____________________________________________

When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn commission and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

You may also like:

Etiquette guide for choosing and sending sympathy flowers

Save money: 5 simple tricks to have cash for a rainy day

Streams mobile app: Easy way to lend your digital assets

Finding success as a real estate agent

What is an intellectual property lawyer? Everything you need to know