What Documents to Keep
There are two things wrong with almost all legal writing. One is its style. The other is its content.
– Fred Rodell
Aging in Place
Several of my family members did not have their affairs in order and it became a daunting task for us to pick up the pieces and try to deal with it. Here is a list of the papers and documents that will make life easier for loved ones when you are no longer a round to sort things out.
A list of important documents that older adults should consider keeping organized and accessible:
- Identification Documents:
- Passport
- Driver’s License or State ID
- Social Security Card
- Medicare Card
- Any other relevant identification cards
- Financial Documents:
- Bank account information (account numbers, routing numbers)
- Retirement account statements (401(k), IRA, pension)
- Investment account statements (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
- Real estate deeds and mortgage documents
- Insurance policies (life, health, long-term care, home, auto)
- Will and/or trust documents
- Power of attorney documents (financial and healthcare)
- List of debts (mortgage, loans, credit cards)
- Tax returns and related documents
- Healthcare Documents:
- Health insurance cards
- Medicare or Medicaid documents
- Advanced directives (living will, healthcare proxy)
- Medical history and medication list
- Contact information for healthcare providers
- Medical power of attorney documents
- Property and Asset Documents:
- Property deeds and titles
- Vehicle titles and registration
- Inventory of valuable assets (jewelry, art, collectibles)
- Legal Documents:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Adoption papers
- Citizenship or naturalization documents
- Any legal agreements or contracts
- Important Contacts:
- Family contacts (spouse, children, siblings)
- Emergency contacts
- Contacts for financial advisors, lawyers, doctors, and other professionals
- Passwords and Digital Information:
- List of important passwords (financial accounts, email, social media)
- Instructions for accessing online accounts and digital assets
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It’s also a good idea to keep these documents in a secure and easily accessible location, such as a fireproof safe or a designated folder in a secure digital format. Regularly review and update these documents as needed, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the purchase of new assets.