Getting Organized

     Survivors often become overwhelmed with the mountains of paperwork that follow the passing of a loved one. Paperwork from insurance, mortgage companies, creditors, banks, the decedent's employer, and many others can mount up very quickly.

     The first, and most important step is to resist just throwing away any relevant paperwork just to make your life simpler. At first it will be difficult deciding what is important enough to keep or not, but over time it will become easier to sort out the fluff.

     A good first step would be to simply set up a file organization system. You can do this anyway that works for you the point is to retain all documents in safe place so you can retrieve them when needed. I recommend that you set up your paperwork into different categories such as:

Estate Documentation
Wills, codicils, and supporting documents
Power of attorney
Trust Agreements
Powers of appointment

Life Insurance
Life Insurance policies
Claims forms
IRS Form 712 to report life insurance proceeds

Employer
Benefit claims forms
Pay stubs
Benefit statements

Tax Information
Last three years returns
Receipts for any other taxes paid
Charitable contribution receipts
Other deductible items

Business
Partnership agreements (llc, sole proprietor, etc...)
Contracts

Banking
Checking and savings accounts statements and register books
Canceled checks

Household
Deeds
Homeowner's insurance
Appraisals
Home improvement receipts

Bills
List of all bills both paid and unpaid

Credit Cards
All statements

Auto
Title and registration of all vehicles
Insurance

Personal documentation
Death Certificates
Birth Certificate
Social Security
Military Papers ( DD-214)

Family documentation
Birth certificates
social security numbers
marriage certificates
divorce paperwork
discharge papers

Investments
Brokerage account statements
Money market accounts
Cd's
Stocks
Bonds
IRAs
Savings bonds
Treasury securities

List of all other assets
Real estate
Stocks
Bonds
Checking/Savings accounts
Cd's
Personal property

This list should help you get started on the right path to put all your loved ones affairs in order. The better you organize in the beginning the easier it will be for you in the long run. It will make it easier to prioritize what needs to be taken care of now, and what can wait. I hope this helps you out.

If Choosing Cremation

     Cremation has become a more popular option over the last few years, and will continue to be a very reasonable option. Cremation arrangements are made with a funeral director also you will be asked to select an urn at this time.

     Most people don't realize that cremation still allows for traditional viewing, visitation, and chapel services. It is up to the family if they would like to have the casket present or wait until after cremation has taken place and hold a private ceremony with the urn.

     Now you need to decide what to do with the ashes. There are many more options than just putting an urn on your mantle these days. You can choose to place the urn in a glass front niche, mausoleum niche, columbarium niche, boulders, benches, bird baths, jewelry, artificial reefs etc.. just to name a few.

     Also, the ashes can be divided up to fulfill several family members wishes. You could place half of the ashes in a niche, and the other half scattered for example. Ive seen people make diamond rings, and earrings with the ashes.

Check out my cremation tab for more information about cremation options.