5 Things Your Family Wishes You Had Organized Before You Died

No one knows better than an estate planning attorney like me that people do not want to think about their own death. It’s pretty universal. But as mature adults with loved ones, we also don’t want to leave them with a hot mess
to sort out after we’re gone. They’re already going to be grieving; why add the burden of sorting out what you could have organized in advance? Here are 5 key things your loved ones will appreciate you taking care of in advance.

1-Will & Estate Plan

A current will and estate plan can help clarify who receives your assets, who should handle the estate, and who, if you have minor children, will care for them.

 

2-Financial Information

Make it as easy as possible for your family to identify your financial “life,” including your bank accounts, insurance policies, investments, retirement accounts,
and more. Don’t just tell your spouse or adult child; have it in writing as well. They can’t manage it after you’re gone if they don’t know it exists.

 

3-User Names, Passwords and More

This is something we didn’t need to worry about 25 years ago, but it is increasingly important now. We are in the digital age, and like your financial information,
your email accounts, social media, online banking, digital photos, subscriptions, and other digital assets should be easy to identify and address.

 

4-Final Wishes

Please don’t make your family guess (and potentially argue about) whether you wanted burial or cremation. Documenting your preferences is a loving gesture. Give
them the information they need to make the decisions that have to be made. Consider keeping this information separate from your will, since a will may not be reviewed until after the funeral; and make sure at least one family member knows where it is.

 

5-Drawer, Safe or Tucked in the Couch?

You may recall that when Aretha Franklin passed away, they later discovered an updated will tucked into the couch cushions.  Not only is that not a good idea,
but it delayed her estate’s settlement by years. Once you have taken the time and effort to get your affairs in order, make sure they are stored in a secure location, and that your loved ones know where to find them. A fireproof safe is a good choice.

I advise my clients not to think of estate planning as planning for death but planning for your loved ones; to provide them as much help as possible at a point in time, hopefully, far in the future. If you need to update your
plan or start one, let’s get together soon. I will help ensure you have a comprehensive estate plan designed to protect you, your hard-earned assets, and your loved ones. Please call me at 513-399-7526 to set up a meeting, or visit my website at
www.davidlefton.com.