Make an end-of-life checklist

Feb 14, 2020

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By Joan Koczor

An unpleasant subject? Something you don’t want to talk about? Does your family cringe when you bring the subject up? Consider it a final gift to your family and loved ones.

An End-of-Life Checklist can avoid any confusion or questions that may arise among different family members.

Take the time now to consider your wishes, gather information and, most importantly, write everything down. A listing of all your assets and important personal information is a guarantee that nothing is missed or lost. Estate Planning Worksheets are available online to guide you through the process.

Add any specific directions you want to make that is not already included in your will or other documentation. Appoint an executor, one you trust, who will carry out your wishes.

Personal information should include your name, birthday and Social Security number, the location of key documents and items, birth certificate, marriage license, military discharge paperwork, will, power of attorney, medical directives, ID cards, medical insurance cards, house and car keys and burial plot.

What is the source of your income? Note information on pensions., retirement accounts, 401(k) or 403(b) – include company and contact – account number, date of payment, document location and when/how received.

Include all medicine and medical equipment used and the location of these items.

Check locations of the following items: bank documents, titles and deeds, credit cards, tax returns, trust and power of attorney, mortgage and loan, personal documents, types of insurance – life, health, auto, home, etc. Include the account number and contact for the company and the location of the policy.

You may also want to consider adding a list of online passwords, in printed form, in a secure location for your loved ones to use to access and check accounts.

And be sure to keep your End-of-Life Checklist in a secure place, like a safe or safety deposit box since it contains sensitive information. Inform your executor where it is located.

Joan Koczor of Maricopa is a senior advocate.

This column appears in the February issue of InMaricopa.