Planning Checklist

This form is a self-assessment, intended to assist you in planning and setting priorities.

1. Have I made arrangements that would reflect my wishes in the event of my death or disability?

r If I should die or become disabled, would those close to me have reasonable financial security?

r Have I made arrangements for care of my dependents, and those who are emotionally dependent on me?

r Do I have a legal will, which has been drawn up in proper legal form and reflects what I really want as of today?

r Do I have a durable power of attorney, which has been drawn up in proper legal form and reflects what I really want as of today?

r Have I made out a Living Will, which has been drawn up in proper legal form for North Carolina and reflects what I really want as of today?

2. Have I communicated my wishes, and the arrangements that I have made, to those close to me?

r Would those closest to me know who is named as my power of attorney, and what my wishes would be in the event of disability?

q If I should die or become disabled, would those close to me know my wishes for disposal of my body?

r Have I discussed my financial circumstances with those close to me?

r Could my friends and family easily contact those I would want notified of my death?

3. Do those close to me know where to find important documents such as*:

r My durable power of attorney?

r My living will?

r My will?

r The name and address of the lawyer who drew it up?

r The list of all securities owned and information on the cost of acquiring them?

r All life insurance policies, credit card insurance and mortgage insurance?

r All medical expense, hospitalization, and accident policies?

r Information on all death benefits, such as those provided by the company by which I was employed, or by the VA, Social Security, or union?

r Bank books, checking accounts, and savings certificates? (A spouse now has access to a joint checking account without interruption.)

r Deeds for property owned and records of payment for property?

r Mortgage statements and other evidence of payment for the property?

r All unpaid bills?

r All records needed to calculate federal income tax, state, and local taxes and other taxes owed?

r Income tax records for several previous years?

* The “Personal Inventory” form provides one structure for recording this information.