A few years ago a family member passed away after a long illness, leaving her husband and children in a real paper mess.

She was always very good about keeping things in order, filing things, having extra copies of everything, making a list of people to contact and having her wishes written down-to the last detail.

The only problem is that she did things her own way, filed papers where she could find them, but neglected to tell her family what she did with everything.

This happens so often in families. Either the deceased person doesn't have anything in order at all or they have things in order, but in what they call; a safe place. The only problem is that the family that has to take care of all of these things is upset, not concentrating, over wrought with grief and can't think of where the papers could possibly be.

This is the time when they need the information fast; it seems like everyone they talk to needs a number; either of a policy, social security number, grave site number, or service number. This can be a very trying time for the ones left behind. Organizing your papers can be very simple for you to do and easy for others to follow if you plan ahead.

Get a box of file folders, a notebook and a small safe to hold these papers. You don't want to put something like this in a safety deposit box because it is possible that at the time your family will not be able to get into the box. Keep it at home and be sure to tell a family member where it is and how to get into it whether it is by code or with a key and where the information is.

Label the first file: Contact Information

In this file you should have the names of everyone that will be the contact person to close out accounts, help with legal papers, file claims for the insurance etc. Also make a notation of family and friends from out of town that should be notified and special friends from organizations, church and associations that you belong to.

The second file should have the label: Funeral

In this file please list what funeral home you would like to go to and if you already have arrangements made and it is paid for in advance.

If you don't have arrangements made and would like to have something specific make a note and add it to this folder. Such things as music, prayers, readings, speakers, hymns, would you like the casket opened or closed etc. should be listed.

List if you have a cemetery plot, where it is, if it is paid for and who to contact.

List your minister, priest or rabbis' name, address and phone number and if you have already talked to them about your wishes.

Place all of the important papers that your family will need in the folder labeled: Records and Documents

These are just a few of the necessary papers that will be needed. This file should contain power of attorney, trust documents, your will, banking information along with the numbers of accounts, stocks, bonds, investments, deeds, titles, home inventory, all insurance papers (home, life, property, health, homeowners auto, boat, credit card insurance policies).

All military papers should be in this file also, making sure that your number is on their, your military records, discharge and any pension information. This is important especially if there are children in the family that are left behind. There are benefits that can be claimed for them in most cases.
Plan ahead and your family will be secure and know that you have taken care of them even after you are gone.

These are only some of the things that will get you started in organizing your records, there are many sites on the internet that will help you make a Home Inventory Book that includes your policy numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and phone numbers for contact information, Listing of Repairs and Maintenance by whom, when, where, why, item replaced etc. on all of your assets, where you can list all of your Purchases, Agreements and Warranties and have proof of purchases on household items and where you can get bereavement information and how to go about writing your last wishes and what should be included.