This article explains the importance of keeping your critical personal
information in a safe place, and suggests the traditional approach of storing this
information in a safety deposit box. Of course, at LegalWills.ca you can
also store this information online using the MyMessages™ service, to be distributed
to your designated Keyholders® at the appropriate time; a far more practical and
accessible solution to the same problem.
What Next?
December 18, 2004
Tamara Davis
Dodge City Daily Globe
So, you've planned carefully, consulted the professionals and have your estate
plan in order. Have you considered, however, what would happen if you became incapacitated
or died suddenly? Would your spouse, family, attorney-in-fact or successor trustee
know what to do?
Would they know where to find your estate planning documents and any advance
directives you have in place for health care? Do they know who should be notified?
Are they aware of your insurance policies and the benefits that you or your survivors
might be entitled to? Do they know what your assets are and where they can locate
information about those assets if necessary? Do they know the names and addresses
of your attorney and accountant? If you own a business, do they know what will be
necessary to keep it operating, at least in the short term?
While you don't necessarily have to share all information with your family at
the present time, it is important that they at least know where to find relevant
information if and when they need it. Organize information regarding assets, insurance
and advisors at this time, and inform your loved ones of where they can find this
information if necessary. Make copies of your signed health care documents and give
one to your physician and one to each of your designated health care agents. Keep
the original of documents such as powers of attorney, titles, deeds and estate planning
documents in one location, such as a fireproof file cabinet or safe deposit box.
Be certain to add your successor trustee, designated executor or attorney-in-fact
to your safe deposit box so that he or she will have easy access if necessary. Reviewing
all of this information with your designated agent, successor trustee or executor
while you are still competent and living could make things much easier on that person
once you are no longer in control of your affairs. After all, one of the primary
goals of a good estate plan is to make things easier for your loved ones at a difficult
time.
Tamara Davis is an attorney in Dodge City, focusing her practice in the areas
of estate planning, probate and business succession planning.
Create your Will, Power of Attorney and Living Will online at
https://www.legalwills.ca/.
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