#6...Important Legal Information

Important “Legal” Information For _________________

Date prepared _______________


NOTE: the following information is used only as an example because everyone’s situation is different.


I have a “Will”, but the only assets I have, have all been taken care of with beneficiary names on them or in the case of vehicles…a second name. So even though I have a will, it has no bearing on the dispersion of my estate, other than it states that ______________ should have certain possessions of mine. All my children have a copy of my will. As stated in my will, ONLY the original shall be my will, and the original is located in __________________.


I, ______________, have appointed __________________, as Power of Attorney for me, to do legal things and also involving decisions of anything financial with my accounts. The legal paper is called “General Power of Attorney”(with Durable Provision). The above named person, _____________, has the original copy.



I, ________________ have made out a “Living Will”, and have appointed ______________, as my agent, to make medical treatment decisions for me while I am still alive but not able to speak for myself. The legal paper is called “Special Power of Attorney”. The above named person, ____________, has the original copy of the agent part.



On my checking accounts, I have arranged with the _________________Bank, for ________________, to be able to write checks for me to pay my bills, in the event that I am not able to do so while I am still alive.



Other:





Signed ____________________

#5...Letter to your children, as part of your binder

(example)

Dear Family,

I believe in advanced preparation when it comes to the matter of “putting our affairs in order.” We never know when it will be our time to leave this life.

So I have made you all copies of my “Upon My Death”, as I call it. This binder has been initially prepared for __________, because he/she will have to handle most of the preparations, and I wanted to help make it easier for him/her. But I wanted all of you to have a copy so that you will all know of my requests, what is involved, and what will happen.

Perhaps this guide can help to give you ideas in your own preparations.

Now that I have let you know what these pages are all about…..I don’t want you to be upset. As of today I feel just fine and am not aware of any major problems with my health.

I love you all very much,

___________________

Date prepared __________

#4...Binder cover sheet

Upon The Death Of





__________________________________

Things my family need to know and take care of when I die

A Guide…of What to Include

#3...A General Information Form

General Information for:

____________________________________

Date prepared ___________________________


Current residence __________________________________________________

Date of birth ______________ Place of birth ____________________________

Name of my spouse ________________________ living_____ deceased ____


Names of my children:

____________________ phone _______ address ___________________________

____________________ phone _______ address ___________________________

____________________phone _______ address ___________________________

____________________phone _______ address ___________________________

____________________phone _______address ____________________________


Names of other living close relatives:

_____________________phone _______address ___________________________


_____________________phone _______ address ___________________________



Church affiliation _____________________________________________________


I have a will _____ I DO NOT have a will ________


Who to contact in case of an emergency:


Name________________ phone _________ relationship ______________________


Name _______________ phone __________relationship _______________________

#2....the other ways

In my situation, I have no property other than older model vehicles. I have no other real assets, aside from money, so my so called estate is easy to manage.

But there are so many other little things to think about and consider when “getting our affairs in order”; tiny things we would not even contemplate.

So based on that, I share with you what I have compiled for my family, so that they will know how to proceed and take care of the “little things” after I am gone...things that otherwise they might not even have an inkling about.

I recommend printing out all the information that I will share and putting each page into acid free sheet protectors and then into a binder for your family.

#1...Setting up a Will, or something similar

A Will states to whom you would like your possessions, assets, etc. to go to. It names a person of your choice to be your executor…the person who will handle the legal and financial matters that are necessary to close out your estate and affairs.

There are forms you can obtain (even on the internet) whereby you can do this...or...you may make an appointment with a lawyer. I have a Will.

Some people have their estate planning done with what is called a “Trust” or “Family Trust”. I do not know the particulars of that method.

And then....there are other ways to go about handling your “affairs”...legal, easy and uncomplicated ways, depending on YOUR individual circumstance and situation. And that is what I will share on this blog.