Getting paperwork in order: the family binder checklist

When something happens, the hardest part is often finding things. Use this list to build one binder (paper or a locked digital folder). Check off each item as you find it and write down where the original is kept.

Keep it safe: This binder will hold sensitive information. Store it somewhere locked, and only tell people your parent trusts. Don’t email account numbers or passwords.

Parent’s name:     Date started:  

1. Legal documents

  • Financial power of attorney (and any older ones)
  • Health care power of attorney / health care directive
  • Living will or treatment wishes
  • Will and any codicils (changes)
  • Trust documents, if any
  • Guardianship or conservatorship papers, if any
  • Funeral or burial wishes, prepaid funeral contracts
  • Names and phone numbers of their attorney

2. Identity and personal records

  • Social Security card (or the number, stored safely)
  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate, divorce papers, or spouse’s death certificate
  • Military discharge papers (DD-214), if a veteran
  • Passport
  • Citizenship or naturalization papers, if applicable

3. Health and insurance

  • Medicare card
  • Medicare Advantage, Part D (drug), or Medigap (supplement) cards and plan names
  • Medicaid card, if any
  • Other health insurance (retiree plan, VA)
  • Long-term care insurance policy
  • List of doctors, pharmacies, and phone numbers
  • Current list of medications and doses
  • Allergies and major diagnoses
  • Hospital or clinic patient-portal login (stored safely)

4. Income

  • Social Security benefit letter
  • Pension statements and contact numbers
  • Annuity contracts
  • Veterans benefits letters
  • Rental income records
  • Any other regular income

5. Bank, investment, and retirement accounts

  • Checking and savings accounts (bank name, last 4 digits only)
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs)
  • IRA, 401(k), 403(b) accounts
  • Brokerage or investment accounts
  • Payable-on-death or beneficiary designations for each
  • Safe deposit box location and key

6. Home and property

  • Deed to the home
  • Mortgage or reverse mortgage statements
  • Property tax statements
  • Homeowners (and flood) insurance policy
  • Vehicle titles and car insurance
  • Other real estate or land

7. Bills and debts

  • List of monthly bills and how each is paid (autopay, check)
  • Credit cards (issuer, last 4 digits)
  • Loans or money owed
  • Utilities: electric, gas, water, phone, internet

8. Life insurance and final arrangements

  • Life insurance policies and beneficiaries
  • Burial plot deed or cemetery information
  • Pre-need funeral contract
  • Obituary notes or wishes

9. Taxes

  • Last 3 years of tax returns
  • Name of tax preparer
  • Property tax relief or exemption paperwork, if any

10. Digital life and contacts

  • Where passwords are kept (a password manager or a sealed list), not the passwords themselves
  • Email accounts and phone carrier
  • Key contacts: family, neighbors, clergy, financial advisor, insurance agent
  • Pet care instructions, if any

Notes

 

 

 

From usaBob.com. General information, not legal, financial, or medical advice.

Next step: make sure the legal documents are in place. See power of attorney and health care directives.