The List of Eleven

One of the most tedious and difficult tasks in administering a trust or an estate is finding the decedent’s estate planning documents and asset information.  Frequently, children have no idea where their parents kept these important documents. After you pass away, the last thing you should want is for your children to have to search through your belongings in a tragic scavenger hunt to find your will, stock certificates, and other important papers.

To avoid these difficulties, you should organize your personal and financial data.  This is where the list comes in. Collect the information described in this list and give a copy to your relatives, or put the list where you know they can find it. In case something happens to you, the List of Eleven is one of the best ways to ensure that your relatives can find all your vital records.

1. The name of the bank where you have your safety deposit box, its number, and the location of your key.
2. The numbers for all of your insurance policies, health, life, auto, home, burial, etc., and the names and addresses of the agents for each policy.
3. Itemization of your stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and the numbers of each, and the name and address of your broker.
4. The names of the banks or savings and loans for each of your accounts, and the account numbers.
5. The location of your cemetery plot or mausoleum niche.
6. The location of your Will and the name of your attorney.
7. Your credit card numbers.
8. Your Social Security number.
9. The name and address of your mortgage holder, account number, and the amount of the outstanding debt.
10. The name and address of your accountant, and where your past income tax returns are located.
11. The type of memorial or funeral service you want.