Regardless of your age, suppose you became seriously ill today. Had you given any thought to how you would want certain things handled if you were not able to do them yourself?
Take a look at the list below of personal/family legal documents, records or numbers that you should make available to your family. Furthermore, it would be a good idea to make photocopies of these documents and place them into a file or portfolio.
Birth certificate or legal proof of age
Social Security card (or SS number)
Marriage license
Citizenship papers
Insurance policies (account numbers and issuers)
Bank account numbers (bank books)
Deeds to property
Stock and bond certificates
Military discharge certificate
Disability documentation
Memorial park certificate of ownership
Will (Everyone should have a will, including parents with small children.)
Trust (Consult with your lawyer. This document can be very helpful in eliminating unnecessary intervention from the probate court system.)
