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.