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Pre-Arrangements

When death is imminent, it is important that certain steps be taken, by each of us and have some of these lined up. These include and may be applicable, but are not limited to:

•    Wishes of the deceased: funeral arrangements, organ donation, and burial or cremation
•    Family members or inheritors should be informed the where about of following important documents/arrangements: 

  • Medical Power of Attorney (Living Will)

  • Will/Trust/Estate Plan

  • Marriage certificate(s)

  • Birth certificate

  • Insurance papers - Ensure Beneficiaries

  • All deeds and titles (Power of Attorney)

  • Mortgages and notes

  • Automobile records, titles and registrations

  • Tax records

  • Bank account information

  • Credit card information

  • Safe deposit box location and key

  • Social Security benefits information

  • Pensions

  • Citizenship papers or residency papers

  • Information regarding the Living will (attorney, executor)

  • Name of medical power of attorney, to be executed much before death

  • Names of accountant, stockbroker or banker

  • Information about any real estate, stocks or bonds

  • Plans for any pets

  • Online account access, bank, utilities, social media, 401k, IRA, pension, brokerages, etc.

  • Mobile phone password

  • Body/Organ donor agency contact

  • The person's wishes about funeral arrangements, organ donation, and burial or cremation should be pre-determined

  • The person completes an advance directive, including a living will, which specifies wanted and unwanted procedures. The person should also appoint a health-care proxy to make medical decisions if he or she becomes incapacitated.

  • Have a do-not-resuscitate order drawn up if the person desires. That tells health-care professionals not to perform CPR if the person's heart or breathing stops and restarting would not result in a meaningful life.

  • Make sure the person gives copies of the pertinent documents to his or her doctor and a few family members or friends. Take the documents to the hospital if the person is admitted.

  • Wishes on religious rites including where the ashes will be scattered.

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