In some states, access to safe deposit boxes is restricted after your death except by an attorney of record. Consider having your executor(s) designated as a signer on your safe deposit box. Your executor(s) should have a key and know the location of the box. Confirm with the bank that the box would not be temporarily sealed by the bank or tax authorities following your death. If access is restricted, consider keeping the original documents in a fireproof safe at home.

Updated as of ____________________

Depository	Power Of Attorney	Box Number/ Location Of Key	Contents
Name
Address
Phone

Will

A will specifies who gets testamentary property when you die. Generally, it is used to name a guardian for your minor children and to name executors for your estate. The executors will handle your affairs when the time comes to probate the will. Be sure to notify your survivors and executor where your will is located.

Date Executed ______________________

Location

Living Will

Sometimes referred to as a directive to physicians, a living will outlines medical procedures you want taken if you become too ill to state your wishes. Each state has its own regulations and forms for living wills. You may obtain the proper form from an attorney or through some state medical associations. Include the names of those who have copies of your living will and directive to physicians.

Date Executed __________________________ Location _____________________________

Name	Address	Phone	E-mail

Power Of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is written authorization for someone to act on your behalf for whatever purpose you designate. However, if it is not a “durable” power of attorney, it expires if you become mentally disabled (for example, if you become incapacitated) or upon your death. Include name(s) of the agent(s) you appoint.

Date Executed __________________________ Location _____________________________

Name	Address	Phone	E-mail

Durable Power Of Attorney

A durable power of attorney continues to operate if you become unable to manage your own personal and financial plans. Include the name(s) of the agent(s) you appoint.

Date Executed __________________________ Location _____________________________

Name	Address	Phone	E-mail

Springing Power Of Attorney

A springing power of attorney can be written to “spring” into effect only when a specific event occurs such as if you become incapacitated. Include the name(s) of the agent(s) you appoint.

Date Executed __________________________ Location _____________________________

Name	Address	Phone	E-mail

Trusts

A trust is a legal entity that holds property designated by you, the grantor, for the benefit of you or your beneficiaries. The trust agreement names a trustee to manage the specified property according to your instructions. There are many different kinds of trusts, depending on the type of beneficiary, purpose of the trust, assets in the trust, how much power the trustee and beneficiaries have over the use of the trust’s assets and how much control the grantor has over the trust. Include the following information for each trust.

Date Executed __________________________ Location _____________________________

Name Of Trust	Name Of Grantor(s)	Name Of Trustee(s)	Trustee(s) Address	Phone	E-mail

Next: Personal Documents

Updated Thursday, October 18, 2007