03/28/2025
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WHAT SHOULD YOU HAVE PREPARED IN CASE OF DEATH?

Preparing for the unexpected can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones. In an earlier blog, we discussed what you need to do to prepare for death.  In this latest entry, we provide a more detailed checklist of essential things to have in place in case of death:
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Legal & Financial Documents
  1. Will & Testament – Specify how assets should be distributed and names an executor.
  2. Living Will / Advance Directive – Outline medical wishes should you become incapacitated.
  3. Power of Attorney – Appoint someone to handle financial or medical decisions.
  4. Life Insurance Policy – Ensure financial security for beneficiaries.
  5. Retirement & Investment Accounts – Include 401(k), IRA, stocks, and pensions.
  6. Property Deeds & Titles – Detail homes, land, and vehicles.
  7. Bank Account Information – List accounts, including checking, savings, and loans.
  8. Debts & Liabilities – Document outstanding loans, credit cards, or obligations.
  9. Funeral & Burial Wishes – Specify preferences for burial, cremation, or service details.
  10. Trust Documents – If applicable, outline estate management for heirs.
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Personal & Family Information
  1. Birth & Marriage Certificates – Verify identity and relationships.
  2. Social Security Card – Make sure it's accessible since it will be needed for various legal and financial matters.
  3. Passwords & Digital Assets – Make a list for email, banking, and social media accounts.
  4. Emergency Contacts – Identify key people to notify.
  5. List of Subscriptions & Bills – List ongoing expenses and accounts to be closed.
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End-of-Life & Legacy Planning
  1. Letter of Intent – Write a personal letter detailing final wishes, including messages to loved ones.
  2. Ethical Will – Share values, life lessons, and legacy messages.
  3. Prepaid Funeral Plans – Let loved ones know if arrangements have been made in advance.
  4. Organ Donation Wishes – Make sure you document if you want to donate organs or tissues.
  5. Pet Care Instructions – Make plans for pets after your passing.
Would you like help organizing or digitizing any of these?  If so, we can help.  At EverArk, we have a Celebration of Life platform that will help you and your loved ones prepare for death.  Click here for a demo of EverArk's Celebration of Life software.