PREPARING FOR LOSS

On August 4, 2011 I lost a very important member of my family, my ex-husband (my daughter's father).  He was only 48 and he was killed in a motorcycle accident.  Not only was this devastating to his family, he did no planning for his death.  No will, nothing.  After watching what his current wife went through, I decided to put together a check list of things for people to think about in case of their untimely death.  If I can help just one family, it will be worth it.

 

PREPARING FOR LOSS

No one wants to think about death and the loss of their life or the life of a loved one; however, it is inevitable and you need to be prepared NOW (to lessen the burden on those you leave behind). Recommend using the My Family B.R.A.I.N.™ from A New Beginning Organizing, LLC, an all-in-one binder system for your important family documents.

  

Gather all documents to put in the binder and recommend scanning documents to place on a CD to be put in a safety deposit box. Update the binder and make a new CD yearly and place in a fire safe place.

  

FINANCIAL:

• Banks (all checking, savings and review of co-signers of accounts)
• Credit Cards
• Mortgages
• Loans
• Pay Check Stub (if possible use a year-end copy to show gross income)
• Summary of Monthly Income
• Summary of Monthly Bills, Expenses, and Budget

 PERSONAL:

• Copy of birth certificate(s)
• Copy of Marriage license(s) (if applicable)
• Copy of Divorce Decree(s) (if applicable)
• Social Security Card(s)
• Drivers License – Make a copy of the card
• Health Insurance (to include Medicare) – Make a copy of the insurance card(s)
• Professional License(s) (if applicable)
• Military Service Number and any discharge (DD Form 214/DD Form 215) (if applicable)
• Church Records (Baptisms, patriarchal blessings, ordinance records, priesthood line of authority)
• Immunization Records
• Will, Trust & Amendments (give copies to the executor/executrix & list their names/contact information)
• Living Will
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), Keep a copy with you, and place a copy of your refrigerator.
• Power of Attorney (Medical if applicable)
• List of Medical Issues, Medications, Blood Type, Allergies, and Medical Providers
• Copy of Past Employers (for possible retirement accounts)

 VALUABLES:

•  Listing of Assets (especially those which may be liquidated for cash or given to others)
• Appraisal, Inventory, and Location of Valuables (i.e. Artwork & Jewelry)

 BENEFITS:

• Insurance Information
• Home
• Auto
• Life
• Health
• Other (long-term care, credit cards, disability, burial, etc.)
• Social Security (If you need an update, call 1-800-937-2700 and ask for a SA7004)

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Emergency Contact List
• Family/friends to contact in case of emergency, list addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail. Recommend at least one out of state contact.
• Full names and birthdates of all people living your household (you can also add family members/friends).
• Important Address Listing (list of family/friends for notification.
• Computer UserID and Passwords (work and home)
• Burial Plans
• name/contact information of mortuary {Best if prepaid in advance to lessen the burden on the remaining family members.}
• If current or former military member, contact the Veteran’s Administration Benefits Section at 1-800-827-1000.
• plan for the body (cremation, embalmed, or immediate burial)
• casket type, vault, urn;
• location of services
• viewing (open or closed casket if applicable)
• cemetery (location of plots)
• Headstone
• Funeral Program (speakers, music, special scriptures/poems, pall bearers)
• Photo for obituary, funeral program, and display
• What types of flowers are wanted (if any)?
• Listing and location of burial clothing and jewelry.
• Obituary information (what are the key elements wanted to be mentioned?)
• Suggested charity donations (if applicable)
• Letter(s) and/or Testimony to the Family (helpful especially if you don’t get the chance to say goodbye) (located in Personal section)

 WHAT TO DO AFTER SOMEONE PASSES:

• Contact someone immediately for moral support!
• Contact family and friends on emergency contact listing. Assign someone the task to contact all the other friends on your “Important Addresses” listing.
• Contact church (if applicable)
• Contact mortuary (located in Miscellaneous section)
• Make plans for the body (also in the Miscellaneous section)
• Contact employer (located in Miscellaneous section)
• Contact school (if applicable) (located in the Miscellaneous section)
• Contact legal council (if applicable) (located in Miscellaneous section)
• Did they leave any letters or testimony to the family? If so, give to family members. (located in Personal section)
• Follow the “Burial Plans” (location in the Miscellaneous section)

 AFTER FUNERAL DETAILS:

• Get copies of the death certificate (most people need at least 15 copies)
• Contact Social Security – 1-800-772-1213
• Veteran’s Administration (if applicable)
• Benefits – 1-800-827-1000
• GI Bill – 1-888-442-4557
• Life Insurance – 1-800-669-8477
• Contact Banks (information located in Financial section) – Notify them of death, review co-signer on accounts)
• Notify Post Office
• Contact credit card companies (location in Financial section)
• Contact all past employers (located in the Personal section) for possible retirement information
• Contact medical insurance company (located in Benefits section) – remove deceased from plan and review survivor’s benefits
• Cancel deceased driver’s license (located in Personal section)
• Make life insurance claims (located in Benefits section)
• Contact lawyer, financial planner, and accountant for assistance (located in Miscellaneous section)

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this check list or items which need to be added, please contact Connie Reineccius at connie@anewbeginningorganizing.com or 503.481.0779.