The importance of keeping a personal file for your heirs

You may know where everything is, but on your death, will your family know where to look?

It’s important to store all your personal documents in a labelled box file, in a safe place, and let your family know where to find it.

Please go here to here - https://goo.gl/2GF1yA - to download a useful booklet chronicling a clear record of your funeral wishes, a source of important documents for legal and public records, and a permanent keepsake of your fondest memories to speak to future generations. Please complete this document and place it in safekeeping together with your will and other important documents. Notify your next-of-kin where these important documents are located. 

Important documents

These include: wills, living wills, trusts, powers of attorney, life insurance policies, health policies, car insurance policy, disability insurance, other insurance policies, safe deposit boxes, deeds, titles, income taxes from previous years, birth certificates, marriage certificate, divorce decrees, identity documents, passport, driver’s licence etc, title and registration of vehicles, and inventory of home furnishings.

Associate information

The include the name, number, and address attorney, executor, accountant, financial advisor, broker, insurance agent, trustees, doctor, tax advisor, and employer.

Family and friends

List immediate family members, distant relatives, pets, local friends, distant friends, and associates.

Personal information

Record driver’s license number, organisations, memberships, clubs, fees, secret hiding places, address book, organ donation wishes.

Assets (Location, Account Number, Types)

State sources of income, cars, boats, house, vacation or rental home, checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), stocks, bonds, unit trusts, valuables, antiques, or jewellery, and precious metals.

Liabilities (Account, Balance, Payments)

List personal loans, bond, car loan, credit cards, business loans, clothing accounts, store accounts, other loans, routine bills, and debit orders.

Miscellaneous information

Provide passwords, security system codes, location of firearms and ammunition, and the place where spare keys are stored.

Funeral arrangements

State cremation or burial (casket), minister and pallbearers, location, indoor or outdoor services, speakers, flowers or donations to charity, name of mortuary or cemetery, burial plot – if pre-arranged, and obituaries.