Getting Organized - Estate Planning

Getting Organized - Estate Planning: "Getting Organized - Estate Planning

What will become of the things you own -- your assets -- when you eventually pass-on? The following list of documents, materials, and instructions will help organize your own thinking and will provide essential information to your survivor(s) or to those who will care for you if you are disabled and unable to act for yourself. There are six broad categories of materials to organize.
Personal Contacts List
This should include, for example, the name, address, and phone number of your spouse, any prior spouse(s), children, relatives, close friends, etc. If you store contact lists electronically, a readily available paper copy should also include your e-mail and other accounts with their passwords.
Professional Contacts
This should include, for example, the name, address, and phone of your lawyer, employer, accountant, insurance agent, broker, etc.
Funeral, Cremation and Burial Arrangements
This should include a clear statement of your wishes for your funeral and burial or cremation. If you have made prior arrangements, have burial insurance, etc. this should also be noted. It is important that your family or other loved ones know what your intentions are with regard to your funeral, burial, or cremation. You should either discuss your wishes with them or tell them where they may find a statement of your wishes at your death. It is not advisable to put the statement of your wishes in your will or safe deposit box because the statement or will may be found too late for your wishes to be honored.
Lists of Assets and Liabilities
This should include, for example, a precise list of all your bank accounts, stock brokerage accounts, insurance policies, "