This isn’t a pleasant thought, but it can make you feel more at peace to know things are organized so you aren’t leaving a headache behind.

A VERY HELPFUL document to print and file with your important papers is “What to do when a family member dies” available on line at Get the PDF.

I’d also suggest that you create a list of next of kin with contact info and info on any pre-arranged funeral plans. Pre-paid funeral arrangements are less expensive. The average cost of a funeral is about $5,000.

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Although we usually don’t want to consider our limited time on earth, it’s important to have a Will. A Will makes your intentions for the distribution of your property to your desired heirs.

Another very important part of your Will will be the guardianship arrangements for your minor children. You’ll want to carefully consider who will be raising your children if it can’t be you.

If you have requests for your final services let these be known.

We’d all like to believe that everyone will be civil about “things” in the event of the death of a loved one…but I can tell you “it ain’t so!” Think about who you will want to be in charge of your estate (the Executor). I’d suggest naming some alternates as well. Give copies to your named Executor.

There are numerous on line will services. I’d, however, recommend having a local attorney create your will.

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This legal document gives another person various permissions to act on behalf of the giver. I always kept a General Power of Attorney from my husband since he was Active Duty Military. Without it I was unable to buy, sell property or even release our household goods for shipment in his absence. Use discretion on this. It can be very powerful!

This is an excellent addition to your Vital Documents collection.

Read more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_of_attorney

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Having your vital documents in order is priceless to your peace of mind and (even for me) often easier to procrastinate than to get done. The problem often stems from not knowing what to do and how to get it done. So I’ll take some of the mystery out for you and help you get started.

An easy begining is to create Living Wills, Advance Directives, Medical Power of Attorney for yourself and your family members. These are important to have for any adult you may need to authorize care for. Living wills and other advance directives describe your preferences regarding treatment if you’re faced with a serious accident or illness. These legal documents speak for you when you’re not able to speak for yourself – for instance, if you’re in a coma.

Forms are often available for FREE from your local hospital. It’s basically a legal form giving you permission to authorize health care. It would be important to have on adult children as well as your parents or grandparents for whom you might become responsible as next of kin. Ours were easy to do. We just filled out the form and had some neighbors sign as witnesses.
Learn more here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/living-wills/HA00014

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