26 documents you should have ready for your death

By Ross Naylor, 30 November 2011

Have you ever thought about how you would like your affairs to be left in the event of your sudden death?

Here is a list of 26 documents that you should collect in order to make things easier for those you leave behind.

Birth, Marriage and Divorce

1. Personal birth certificate
2. Marriage licence
3. Divorce papers
4. Birth certificate/adoption papers for minor children

Life Insurance and Retirement

5. Life insurance policy documents (including beneficiary nominations)
6. Personal pension documents
7. Employer pension details
8. Annuity documents
9. Details of any entitlement to state pensions

Bank Accounts

10. List of bank accounts
11. Details of safe deposit boxes

Proof of Ownership

12. Property, land and cemetery deeds
13. Mortgage details
14. Proof of loans made
15. Proof of debts owed
16. Vehicle ownership documents
17. Stock certificates, brokerage accounts, investment platform details
18. Details of premium bonds, government bonds, investment bonds
19. Partnership and corporate operating/ownership agreements (including offshore companies)
20. Tax returns

Essentials

21. Will [Find answers to the FAQs that expats have regarding writing a will here]
22. Instruction letter
23. Trust documents
24. Burial/cremation wishes

Miscellaneous

25. List of names and contact numbers for: Financial adviser, doctor, lawyer/solicitor, accountant, insurance broker.
26. Details of your online life – A list of your usernames/passwords for your email accounts, online bank accounts etc.