27 Estate Documents You Need to Put in One Place

It’s never too early to document your estate and memorialize your wishes, because a disorganized estate can simply mean chaos for your family and friends. This complete list of the documents you should get together ensures that nothing interferes with your legacy.

The Essentials

Will
Letter of Instruction
Trust Documents
Financial Power of Attorney (POA)

Marriage and Divorce

Marriage License
Divorce Papers
Military Documents (DD214)

Health-Care Confidential

Personals and Family Medical History
Durable Health-Care Power of Attorney
Authorization to Release Health-Care Information
Living Will
Do-Not-Resuscitate Order

Proof of Ownership

Housing, Land and Cemetery Deeds
Escrow Mortgage Accounts
Proof of Loans Made and Debts Owed
Vehicle Titles
Stock Certificates, Savings Bonds and Brokerage Accounts
Partnership and Corporate Operating Agreements
Tax Returns

Life Insurance and Retirement

Life Insurance Policies
Individual Retirement Accounts
401 (k) Accounts
Pension Documents
Annuity Contracts

Bank Accounts/Social Media

List of Bank Accounts
List of all User Names and Passwords
List of Safe-Deposit Boxes

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