Paperwork

I’m trying not to focus on the condition I find myself in, but things keep popping up that require attention. It has been said that nothing is finished until the paperwork is done. Did you know that includes dying? It does. And, it requires some effort on your part before you depart. If not, then your survivors may have trouble they are not prepared to deal with.

You should have a will and/or a living trust, medical directives such as a medical power of attorney or living will, and in some cases a durable power of attorney to manage financial matters before you die, should you become incapable of doing so.

There are things such as birth certificates, marriage license, military records, car titles, property deeds and other ownership records that need to be in a secure location - not a bank deposit box. Insurance policies, a list of financial accounts and how to contact them, as well as copies of Social Security cards and drivers license need to be in a safe place too. A safe bolted to the floor may be the best place to keep all these items. Even a locked file cabinet is better than a bank because the person(s) looking for all these things may not have access to the bank box and/or it will take some time and effort to get the box released.

Obviously, your survivors will need a copy of your death certificate. In Texas, it takes about two weeks to get one from the county clerk of the county where the deceased died. This document is crucial for life insurance and some government programs such as Medicare and Social Security.

These are some of the more important papers that have to be transacted when someone dies. It is better to have everything in order than not having anything in order - regardless of your age and health.

It is a lot of trouble.

Best thing to do is, don’t die.

PMO
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