Estate Documents to Gather
Put all your important documents in a secure place, such as a safe, and inform someone you trust about its location:
The Basics
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Original will (most recent)
- Power of attorney
- Marriage license and/or divorce papers, if applicable
Account Information
- Banking accounts (including online usernames and passwords)
- Investment accounts (including online username sand passwords)
- List of safe deposit boxes
- Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(K)
- Pension documents
- Annuity contracts
- Life insurance policies
Healthcare
- Healthcare directive
- Personal and family medical history
- Do Not Resuscitate order (if applicable)
Proof of Ownership
- Vehicle registration and titles
- Mortgage documents
- Previous 3 years' tax returns
Important Information
- Contact information for all individuals and charities named in legal documents
- Contact information of estate attorney
- Contact information of CPA handling estate
- Contact information of financial advisor