Get Organized
General Estate PlanningPersonal Document Locator
As an advisor, I am often asked for ways to organize personal financial information for loved ones. One of the most useful tools which is often overlooked is a personal document locator. This simple organizer allows you to quickly access critical information and reduces the stress of locating documents during an emergency situation.
A Personal Document Locator 1 is intended as a helpful tool to record the location of valuable papers, assets and other important items. It will assist your family in locating all of your relevant documents and disposing of your estate in the manner you directed. This form is not intended to replace any legal documents.
You may want to consider the following items as you develop your individual locator:
People to Notify – Providing names and addresses of your family, advisors and others to notify will help streamline the estate process.
Funeral Arrangements – Communicate any special arrangements and details.
POA / Wills / Trusts – List any legal documents you have established and include the name and contact information of the Trustee and contents of the Trust.
Location of Personal Papers – Use locator to record location of personal documents (safe deposit, desk, dresser, file drawer, digital safe deposit box, etc.) 2
Valuables – Maintain a list of valuables and consider a letter of instruction if you wish a specific item to be given to a specific individual. While this is not legally binding most last requests will be honored.
Digital Assets – List a login and password to any “electronic record” that you own, license, or control: financial accounts, email, social media accounts, cloud storage, chatrooms, books & music, gaming and just about anything else that you do online that requires a login. Maintain in a safe place.
Special Assets – List any special assets that require action by your executor within a specific time frame (i.e. employee benefit election).
Create a Personal Legacy – Consider writing a letter 3 for future generations with personal thoughts and messages for your heirs.
It's a good idea to keep this locator in a secure place and make sure a trusted family member knows where to find it. You should also review and update it regularly to ensure its accuracy.
Get better organized by utilizing our Personal Document Locator, 1 a handy tool to assist your family in locating your most important financial documents.