Thursday, June 7, 2012

A list of documents you need to gather


Can you imagine what would happen if you died and your beneficiaries didn’t know where to find your will? Or your money? To make sure this doesn’t happen to your family, always have the following key documents safely stored together in a place where they can easily be found:

1. Your will: Outlines who gets what when you die. It also appoints guardians for your underage children. Without a will, your assets will be divided according to provincial law, not your own wishes. Worse, your children might end up not living with the guardian of your choice.
2. A living will: Spells out how you want to be treated if you are unable to make decisions about your own health (i.e., whether you want to receive life-sustaining treatments like respiration or resuscitation or whether you want organs donated).
3. A power of attorney: Gives someone the power to make financial decisions for you in the event you’re no longer able to do so. Without this document, the courts will have to appoint a guardian to look after your affairs, and that can take a lot of time – and money. NOTE: You should ensure that there is a second signature on all of your bank accounts as well.
4. Proof of ownership: Gather together all documents that show you own your house, land, vehicles, stocks and any other assets. Without these, your family might not know what you own or be able to prove it.
5. Three years of tax returns: Tax returns give your executor a sense of the assets and finances that are part of your estate.
6. A list of bank accounts and safety deposit boxes: According to the Bank of Canada, there are approximately 1.3 million unclaimed balances in Canada worth some $465 million. You want your family to be able to find your money – show them where it is by listing all your accounts.
7. Stock certificates and savings bonds: Hang onto your investment account statements and store them safely with your certificates (if you have any on paper), so your family can easily determine exactly what you own.
8. Pension, retirement and annuity documents: Help your family access any remaining retirement benefits they are eligible for through your retirement plan. If you’re getting money from an annuity, the contract will help your beneficiaries understand what they are entitled to and from which company.
9. Insurance policies: You bought insurance so your loved ones would be financially covered when you die, so be sure to keep copies of all insurance-related documents on hand so your family will know what policies you have.
10. A list of your debts and loans: A list like this will ensure your family won’t end up having any unwanted surprises down the road, such as debts they did not know about.
11. Marriage licence and/or divorce papers: Legal proof of marriage and divorce can make it easier for the executor of your estate and for your family.
12. Your user names and passwords: With social media and online accounts becoming increasingly important, you want to be sure your loved ones will be able to access your accounts.
13. Contact information: Do you have a lawyer, financial planner, or other professionals who assist you.

Make sure that their names and contact information are also listed.
Review your list once a year to ensure that it’s kept up to date.