This information is desperately needed for those who do not have knowledge of what is needed to get one’s affairs in order.
– Make sure all bank accounts have direct beneficiaries. The beneficiary need only go to the bank with your death certificate and an ID of their own.
– TOD = Transfer OF Death deed if you own a home. (rocketlawyer.com; 877-881-0947) Completing this document and filing it with your county saves your heirs THOUSANDS. This document allows you to transfer ownership of your home to your designee. All they need to do is take their ID and your death certificate to the county building and the deed is signed over. Doing this will avoid the home having to go through probate. Suggested company Rocket Lawyer Monday-Friday 6am-6pm PT. (877) 881-0947 Rocket Lawyer: Free Legal Documents, Attorneys, Incorporations & Taxes. – Living Will: Allows one to put in writing exactly what you want done in the event you cannot speak for yourself when it comes to healthcare decisions– Durable Power of Attorney: Allows one to designate a person to make legal decisions if one is no longer competent to do so.– Power of Attorney for Healthcare: This document allows one to designate someone to make healthcare decisions for their person.– Last Will and Testament: Designates to whom personal belongings will go too.– Funeral Planning Declaration: allows one to say exactly one’s wishes as far as disposition of the body and the services.– If the above documents are done, you can AVOID probate. If all the above is not done, you have to open an estate account at the bank. All money that doesn’t have direct beneficiaries goes into this account. You have to have an attorney to open the estate account. The attorney also has to publicize your passing in the newspaper or post publication at the county courthouse, to allow anyone to make a claim on your property. – It’s a complete PAIN.– Make a list of all banks and account numbers, all investment institutions with account numbers, lists of credit cards, utility accounts, etc. Leave clear instructions as to how and when these things are paid. Make sure heirs knows where life insurance policies are located.– Pass this along to people you care about, let them know about this information.