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End of Life Planning Checklist

Within the past year, unfortunately, I have lost a few clients and have advised the heirs in many different areas. It became immediately clear that if the parents had discussed their wishes to their children or provided them some instructions in writing, making these difficult decisions during an emotional time would have been a lot easier.

There are so many more areas that need to be covered that generally aren’t included in a will. I am listing some items below for your consideration to help prepare yourself, your loved ones and your heirs for end-of-life planning. This is a general checklist of some of the items to make sure that your wishes are known and the heirs will be able to settle your estate in a smoother fashion. This will alleviate a lot of stress on them as well as save time and money. I know this list does not contain everything, so it will be a work in process.

Instructions for Funeral letter – This is just a simple letter that includes your thoughts, wishes and requests. It is something that you can draft yourself and is does not need to be notarized.

  1. Whether or not you want any funeral or memorial service. Detail the specifics of the service, i.e. the music, who will preside, and party after ward, where, when, how paid for.
  2. The details of any pre-paid funeral and the location of any pre-paid funeral plot.
  3. Whether you wish to be buried (purchase casket now) or cremated (purchase urn now).
  4. Details for any marker or mausoleum.
  5. If you select cremation, where should your ashes should be interred or scattered?
  6. Any religious considerations?
  7. Who should deliver any eulogy?
  8. Any wake or celebration of life? Any preferences on where it should be held?
  9. Open casket, closed casket or no casket? Should viewing be allowed?
  10. Details for an obituary (if you can, write it yourself since no one knows better than you who you are and what you have done) and whether or not the obituary should be published in any out-of-town papers and sent to any high school or University Alumni Associations.
  11. Where friends and family can send gifts or donations in lieu of flowers.
  12. Whether or not you want your body or organs donated and, if so, to whom.
  13. Names and addresses of all family members and trustees of any trusts.
  14. Location of wills and trusts.

End of Life Planning Considerations:

  1. Are your wills or trusts current?
  2. Are your durable powers of attorney current?
  3. Are your healthcare powers of attorney current?
  4. Data on funeral planning: pre-need arrangements, burial or cremation contracts.
  5. A list (including statements with account numbers and locations of titles) of all assets, including bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, real estate, annuities, stock certificates, etc.
  6. A list of all debts: mortgages, home equity, auto, boat, education loans, credit cards, etc.
  7. List of all credit or debit cards, account numbers and contact information.
  8. Information on alimony payments or any other pre-arrangement payment structure, judgments, etc.
  9. Loans owed to you/note payable with contact information and payment schedule.
  10. Information on safety deposit boxes – where located, who has access and where are the keys?
  11. A list of important or valuable personal property and where it can be found.
  12. A list of all income sources – social security, pensions, annuities, IRAs, etc.
  13. A list of all life insurance policies including type of insurance, policy number(s) and contact information. NOTE: Remember to destroy policies, stock certificates and papers that are no longer valid.
  14. A list of all employers worked for, unions joined, or military service (including dates served).
  15. A list of all advisors, including accountants, attorneys, brokers, financial advisors and insurance agents with their contact information.
  16. Personal telephone book (possibly Christmas card list).
  17. Location of tax returns.
  18. Written wishes for health care, particularly as they pertain to life-sustaining choices.
  19. Written wishes for assisted living care, most importantly whether to live with family members (and which ones) or in professional facilities. If a professional facility, what kind is preferred, how much should be spent (in today’s dollars) and how? Where do you want to die?
  20. When should family members feel free to make decisions about your care?
  21. Written feelings about living on Medicaid.
  22. Written instructions about how to spend your money and liquidating assets. Should some be retained for family member of the next generation?
  23. Feelings about spending all of your money on yourself, possibly leaving none for spousal care.
  24. Feelings about divorce as a means to preserve family assets.
  25. Feelings about maintaining one’s dignity; should the family do all it can to financially ensure the person lives with dignity?
  26. Written instructions about professional care in the home. Are there feelings about the caretaker’s age, sex or ethnic background?
  27. Information on all health care coverage, policy number and contact information.
  28. Names and contact information of all doctors and other healthcare providers.
  29. Information on long-term care policies.
  30. Information on pets and pet care feeding schedule (time), amount, favorite toys, vet records. Who to contact for immediate pet care, including name of veterinarian.
  31. A list of combinations or locks.
  32. Burglar alarm information.
  33. Child care information – list of babysitters, friends, medical records, medical care instructions.
  34. Property care information.
  35. With reference to your computer(s): Have a list of user names and passwords for the computer and all other accounts you may have. List the path to important computer files.
  36. Information on pending lawsuits.

ARE YOU A PROCRASTINATOR? (Especially when it comes to planning for yourself?)

Remember life is a terminal situation, we just don’t know when. Rees Johnson, a local estate planning attorney, has created a Baker’s Dozen of Resolutions for Procrastinators.

  1. Sign documents designating who takes care of your affairs when you are incapacitated.
  2. Sign an advanced directive for health care decisions.
  3. Sign a will or living trust.
  4. If you have above, review them.
  5. Prearrange your funeral and burial.
  6. Make sure persons designated are willing to act.
  7. Discuss important matters with family.
  8. Create a list of instructions to your family.
  9. Review investments and consult a financial planner.
  10. Do a net worth statement. If over $1,000,000 (in Oregon) take steps to minimize or eliminate death taxes.
  11. Find and review all deeds, stock certificates, investment accounts and retirement accounts to reflect how you want ownership and beneficiaries.
  12. Fill out a document locator record.
  13. Review all insurance policies and needs.

HAVE YOU PROVIDED FOR MAN’S BEST FRIEND?

Many of my clients have pets who they cherish. Don't forget to plans for their needs as well.

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