DEATH WITH DIGNITY: GETTING YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER

Apr
23
2009

Posted by: admin in Categories: General health.
Using Tags: General health

You’ve appointed your wife durable power of attorney. You’ve ordered a polished oak casket that shines like your first baseball bat. And you’ve footed the bill for the whole shebang, saving your loved ones enough headache and expense to qualify you (if posthumously) as Husband and Dad of the Year. You’re done and never have to think about it again, right? Almost.

Here are just a few more things to add to your “Dying with Dignity Checklist,” according to our experts.

Make a will. Many families have a story of an irreparable rift caused by bickering over an estate. “Sadly, this happens even when there’s not a great deal to fight over,” Litz says.

That’s why everyone over age 18, rich or poor, should have a will, he says.

“Without one, it’s a race to the courthouse to determine who ends up as administrator of your estate,” Litz says. “Then the registrar of wills ends up choosing, which can be a legal nightmare. It is essential to have a will if you have children under 18 years of age. In a will, a guardian is named to take care of your children and a trustee to take care of your estate for the benefit of your children.” You should also name someone you trust as the executor of the will to file with the court and see that your wishes are carried out. “A will is a simple way to be sure that your money and possessions go exactly where you want them to go,” concludes Litz.

Keep good records. You should write down and gather up everything you think the executor of your estate will need, suggests Brubaker. Include your biographical information, which is essentially the information needed to fill out a death certificate and to write an obituary; your financial information, including your Social Security number, your most recent income tax returns and W-2′s, last Social Security check (if applicable), marriage certificate, spouse’s Social Security number, and any military records; the location of your will; your insurance policies; children’s names, addresses, and telephone numbers; bank accounts and securities; safe-deposit boxes; benefit entitlements; and other important documents.

Know your benefits. “Too many people have no idea what benefits they’re entitled to,” says Brubaker, who is often the first person to tell them. He recommends that people find out what benefits they’re entitled to through the places they’ve worked, Social Security, and the armed forces, and make a list of them. Most of these benefits are not automatically paid when you die. Your family needs to apply for them.