Funeral Pre-Planning: Organizing Your Records

Burial Planning Information Needed

Every spouse should know the location of all papers, contracts, documents, policies and other needed information pertaining to you. Each should know whom to turn to for advice in case of emergency. The purpose of this list is to provide a guideline for the type of information needed so that surviving family members can proceed with the funeral arrangements, as well as dealing with the other many other financial issues that can arise.

Study these sections with your spouse and/or family member who would be responsible for carrying out your wishes:

Personal Information

• Full Name: & Address:
• Citizenship:
• Race:
• Date of Birth & Birthplace:
• Location of Birth Certificate:
• Father's Name & Birthplace:
• Mother's Name (include maiden name) & Birthplace:
• Marital Status:
• Spouse's Full Name:(include maiden name)
• Location of Marriage Certificate:
• Name of next of kin: (other than spouse)
• Relationship Name & Address:
• Your Occupation:
• Employer Name & Address:

If a Veteran

• Rank:
• Branch of Service:
• Serial Number:
• Date discharged:
• Religious Affiliation & Congregation:
• Social Security Number:

Financial Information

• Effective Date:
• Do you have a will?
• If yes, where is it?
• When was it written?
• Lawyer's name & address:
• Personal Representative's name & address:
• Do you have life insurance?
• If yes, with what company?
• Policy number:
• Lump sum only
• Lump sum and fixed installments for a specified number of years
• Lump sum and fixed installments for life
• Where is the policy?
• Are there any unpaid loans?
• If loans have been paid in full or part, where are the receipts?
• Where are the premium receipts?
• Who is your insurance advisor?
• Address of insurance advisor:
• Other Insurance
• Do you have health insurance?
• If yes, with what company?
• Policy number:
• Do you have hospitalization insurance?
• If yes, with what company?
• Policy number:
• Do you have long term insurance?
• If yes, with what company?
• Policy number?
• Where are the policies?
• Social Security
• Do you pay Social Security tax?
• If not, have you ever paid Social Security tax?
• Do you have an up-to-date employment record showing type of work in each case?
• Where is it?
• Address of nearest Social Security Administration
office:

Banking and Investments

• Do you have a checking account?
• Bank Name & Account Number:
• Address:
• o you have a savings account?
• Bank Name & Account Number & Address:
• Do you and your spouse have a joint account?
• Which account(s)?
• Do you have any stocks and bonds?
• Which ones?

• Where are they?
• Name & address of financial advisor?
• Do you have any U.S. Security and War Bonds?
• Where are they?
• Who is designated as co-owner?
• Who is designated as beneficiary?
• Are these bonds listed by serial number or denomination?
• Where is the list?
• Do you have a safe-deposit box?
• Bank Name & Address:
• Box number:
• Key location:
• Do you have any other investments:
• Where are they?

Property

• Are household goods insured?
• Where are the policy and inventory list?
• Where are the bill of sale and insurance policy for your car(s)?

Real Estate

• Do you own any real estate?
• Location of property:
• In whose name is the title held?
• Is title insured?
• Company name & Address:
• Where is the title insurance policy?
• Is there a mortgage on the property?
• If yes, who holds the mortgage:
• Has the mortgage been paid in part?
• If no, how many years remain on the mortgage?
• Where are the receipts?
• Where are the real estate tax receipts?
• Is property insured?
• Company name & address:
• Where are the policies?
• Do you own a cemetery plot?
• If yes, where is it located?
• Where is the deed?
• Other financial or legal information:

Funeral Information

• Persons who should be notified upon my death: (Names and addresses)
• Are you a member of a memorial society?
• If yes, name & address:
• Funeral home of your choice:
• Address:
• Have funeral arrangements been discussed with the directors?
• Where are they on file?
• Have funeral expenses been prepaid?
• Which pre-payment plan?
• Type of disposition requested: (Check one)
  • Donation of body
  • Cremated
  • Burial
  Type of service preferred:
  • Memorial
  • Funeral
  • Graveside
  • Other