Essential Documents for Seniors

Elder and Young Woman with Documents

Mother and daughter talking about finances

What are the key documents you will need?

As you or someone you care for ages, you’ll want to organize essential documents that need to be on hand for upcoming financial and health decisions. Avoid pulling loose ends together in a time of crises or urgency— a sudden change in health, a move, or a time-sensitive application for federal, state, or veteran benefits. Scrambling to find legal or personal documents under stress can be easily avoided with some forethought.

In reviewing this list, you or your caregivers will want to make sure that all legal documents are in place that are relevant and necessary for the person in their care.

So what are the key documents to assemble ahead of time?

FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

  • Tax Returns

  • A List of Bank Accounts

  • Titles to all vehicles

  • Pension Documents, 401 (k) information, annuity contracts

  • Any brokerage accounts, savings bonds, or stock certificates

  • Documentation of loans and debts, credit card accounts

  • Deeds to all properties

  • Partnership and corporate operating agreements

  • Power of Attorney (a proxy financial agent)

HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTS

ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS

  • A Will

  • Trust Documents

  • Life Insurance Policies

  • Memorial Instructions

MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS

  • Military Records

  • Birth Certificate

  • Marriage and Divorce Papers

  • List of Usernames and Passwords

  • Social Security Card

  • Passport

  • List of Safety Deposit Boxes and Location of Keys

If these papers and documents are well-labeled and stored in an easily accessible place, it will bring an added sense of security and an ability to move forward on important life and death decisions. As an attorney, I see the benefits of these preparations with my clients. With this list you can tackle the challenge! The team at Hillsborough Wills & Trusts has the expertise to help you Build Your Circle of Security.

Call us for a free consultation at 919-245-8440 or contact us today at: https://hillsboroughwills.com/contact.



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