Before you can file for various benefits and take care of other financial matters, you will need to collect a variety of important documents and papers:
- Death certificate- Available from your funeral director or county health department. You might need to purchase a few certified copies of the death certificate. Many companies will want a certified copy, but use a photocopy when you can to save money.
- Birth certificates - For the deceased and any dependent children. Available at either the state or county public records offices where the person was born.
- Social Security numbers - For the deceased, spouse, and dependent children.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) - Available from the county clerk where the marriage license was issued.
- Military Discharge papers (if applicable) - If the deceased was a veteran, you will need a copy of the discharge certificate. If you cannot find a copy, contact National Personnel Records Center (http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/).
- Passport, divorce decree(s), naturalization papers, adoption papers (if applicable)
- Original Will - The lawyer who wrote the will may have it or it may be with the personal belongings of the deceased or in a safe deposit box. Putting a will in a safe deposit box is risky as the box might be sealed and put into probate, which would result in you not being able to get to the will.
- Living Will - A living will spells out our wishes around medical treatment in the event we are incapacitated.
- Final Wishes Planner - Includes important information your family will need after you pass.
- Funeral Preparations - If you prepaid your funeral, include papers on those arrangements, so that your loved ones don't end up doublepaying for your funeral.
- List of Property - A complete list of what the deceased owned including real estate, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, deeds, and personal property, such as:
- Life insurance policy or policies
- Pensions
- 401k, IRA, Roth IRA, Keogh, etc.
- Social Security benefits
- Medical insurance coverage
- Veterans benefits
- Checking and bank accounts
- Brokerage accounts
- Certificates of Deposit
- Stocks and bonds
- Property/Real estate holdings
- Miscellaneous investments
- Other assets such as jewelry and art work
- Mortgages
- Home equity loans
- Other insurances such as: automobile, property, accident, travel, medical
- Credit cards
- Other miscellaneous debts such as property tax, liens or other documented personal loans to friends or business associates.
- Pension Documents - Normally, there is a beneficiary form in the event that the deceased's pension transfer to his spouse.
- Insurance Policies - The beneficiary forms will name those who receive a life insurance payment at the time of death.
- Recent Income Tax Returns - If you cannot locate a copy of the most recent income tax return, you need to fill out IRS Form 4506. You will need to attach documentation that you are authorized to act on behalf of the deceased, such as letters from the probate court.
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| Organ Donation | Living Will | Will or Trust |
