Death Plan

Preparing for Death Checklist

1. Execute and regularly update your will, trusts, living will, durable power of attorney, and all related estate planning documents. Store these documents in a secure yet accessible location, ensuring your family is aware of where to find them.

2. Prepare clear instructions for your executor, detailing the location of all your assets, personal records, tax returns, bank statements, investment accounts, and insurance policies for homeowners and automobiles.

3. Provide your executor with instructions that include the combination to any safe, the location of your safe deposit box, the private key for any cryptocurrency, and the passwords or codes needed to access your phone, email, and digital accounts.

4. Evaluate your financial situation to guarantee there is sufficient ongoing income for your surviving dependents.

5. Estimate expenses and set aside adequate funds to cover probate costs, debts, death taxes, and other related financial obligations.

6. Your will should specify intended bequests for each item of personal property, such as family heirlooms, clearly indicating to whom they should be given.

7. Consider pre-planning and pre-paying for your burial and funeral arrangements, and ensure your family and friends are informed of these plans.

8. Collaborate with your estate planning advisers to establish a consistent gifting strategy to family and friends, maximizing the advantages of the gift tax annual exclusion.

9. Ensure that the home designated for your survivors is safe, well-maintained, and in good repair.

10. Clearly communicate to your family members the responsibilities they will need to take on after your passing.

11. If you desire, compile personal information necessary for your obituary, ensuring your life’s story is told accurately.

12. If you wish, create detailed instructions for your funeral and memorial services, specifying where the services should be held, who should officiate, and what elements should be included, such as your favorite songs or poems.

13. If applicable, specify your burial preferences, and inform family and friends of your veteran status, including any desires to be interred in a national cemetery.

14. Compile a comprehensive list of names and contact information for individuals (both personal and professional) who should be notified upon your death.

15. Make arrangements, and inform your family or physician of your intention to be an organ donor if you choose to do so.

16. Review the titles of your property to ensure they are correctly designated, making any necessary adjustments as needed.