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Estate Planning: What to Know

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We suggest retaining the following information in a file entitled “END OF LIFE”. This file should be readily accessible to immediate relatives at death. The contents should be reviewed at least yearly for updates.

GENERAL

  1. Location of the Will. The safest place to keep a Will is in a safe deposit box. A copy can be kept in the file with information on the location of the original.
  2. Information on where to find the safe deposit key as well as the name and address of the financial institution where the box is located.
  3. Information on any prepaid funeral plans and/or cemetery plots.
  4. Information on the location of any safes or lockboxes, as well as the combination or location of the keys.
  5. The code for your cellphone to be unlocked. iPhone and android users – legacy contact printout if available.
  6. List of important apps on your phone along with usernames, passwords and codes to access them.
  7. Information on where to find past tax returns.
  8. Information on the location of vehicle and homeowner insurance policies.

ASSETS

  1. Location of any cash kept in the home or the yard.
  2. List of assets and how to access them.
  3. Location of titles and keys for motor vehicles, snowmobiles, 4 wheelers, boats, trailers, airplanes, etc.
  4. List and first page of all life insurances with beneficiary information and access information.
  5. List of bank and investment accounts with account numbers, usernames and passwords for each.
  6. List and first page of all retirement accounts with account numbers, usernames and passwords for each.
  7. Information on any real estate owned including the address of the property and the location of the deed.
  8. The location of the house keys as well as any spare keys.
  9. Information on where to find monthly bills, including email address, username and password if they come electronically.
  10. Information on what bills are automatically withdrawn from any accounts, along with when this happens, account numbers, amounts of the withdrawals, usernames and passwords for the account.

CONTACT INFORMATION

  1. Contact information for your financial planner, accountant and attorney.
  2. Contact information for immediate family members and beneficiaries.

DEBTS

  1. List of credit cards with card numbers, account numbers, usernames, passwords and PINS for each.
  2. List of any other debts or loans with account numbers, usernames and passwords for each.

To schedule an estate planning consultation for you and your family with Weiss Burkett in Lebanon, PA, call our office at 717-273-1661. You can find us at 802 Walnut Street, Lebanon, PA 17042.

The Importance of Having a Will: Securing Your Legacy and Peace of Mind

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In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the thought of creating a will may not always be at the forefront of our minds. However, despite its seemingly morbid connotations, having a will is a crucial aspect of responsible financial and personal planning. It’s not just for the elderly or the wealthy – everyone, regardless of age or financial status, should consider creating a will. Let’s explore why having a will is essential and how it can benefit you and your loved ones.

  1. Distribution of Assets: One of the primary purposes of a will is to outline how you want your assets to be distributed after your passing. Whether you have significant financial wealth or modest belongings, a will ensures that your wishes are respected and that your assets are distributed according to your instructions. Without a will, your assets may be distributed based on state laws, which may not align with your preferences.
  2. Guardianship for Dependents: If you have minor children or dependents who rely on you for care, a will allows you to designate guardianship for them in the event of your death. This crucial provision ensures that your children are cared for by individuals whom you trust and who share your values and parenting philosophies.
  3. Avoiding Family Disputes: In the absence of a will, disputes among family members regarding the distribution of assets can arise, leading to tension and strain within the family. By clearly outlining your wishes in a will, you can minimize the likelihood of conflicts and ensure that your loved ones can focus on supporting each other during a difficult time.
  4. Tax Planning: A well-crafted will can also help minimize the tax burden on your estate, ensuring that more of your assets are passed on to your beneficiaries rather than being depleted by taxes and administrative expenses.
  5. Peace of Mind: Perhaps the most significant benefit of having a will is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to protect your loved ones and secure your legacy can offer a sense of relief and comfort, allowing you to focus on living your life to the fullest.

Despite its importance, many people procrastinate when it comes to creating a will, often due to misconceptions or discomfort surrounding the topic. However, creating a will doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the help of legal professionals such as estate planning attorneys, you can ensure that your will accurately reflects your wishes and complies with relevant laws and regulations.

Furthermore, it’s essential to review and update your will periodically, especially after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or the acquisition of new assets. By keeping your will up-to-date, you can ensure that it remains an accurate reflection of your wishes and circumstances.

In conclusion, having a will is not only a responsible financial and personal decision but also an act of love and consideration for your loved ones. By creating a will, you can provide clarity, security, and peace of mind for yourself and your family, ensuring that your legacy is preserved according to your wishes.

What to do when a loved one passes away?

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When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to navigate through the grief and profound emotions. It can
also be difficult to come to terms with the financial issues that inevitably must be dealt with at death.
The assets and debts left behind by a loved one become part of that person’s estate. The first matter that should be addressed regarding the finances of a loved one is whether that person left a will. If so, it is important to locate the original will. Once located, the will names an individual or individuals who are appointed by the loved one to act as the executor of the estate. The job of the executor will be to carry out the wishes of the loved one and the distribution as listed in the will. The will also lists beneficiaries, or those that are entitled to a portion of the assets in the estate.

If the loved one did not leave behind a will, then a personal representative will be chosen to carry out
distribution in accordance with the law. The personal representative is typically a spouse or child of the
deceased loved one, but may be someone else depending on the circumstances. In the event a will is
not located, the family should schedule an appointment with an estate attorney to discuss who will
become the personal representative. If a will is not located, the property of the deceased loved one will also be distributed in accordance with the intestacy laws, which are laws that dictate the order of
distribution of property when there is no will.

If a loved one has died, contact our office and we can assist you through this process as well as handle the next steps, which will be discussed in a later writing.