How can I organize important papers for my family?

You can help your family by organizing your records, insurance policies, documents, and instructions ahead of time. Doing this is one way to reduce the legal and emotional burdens your loved ones may face later.

The article suggests several practical steps. Make a list of where your family can find important papers. Keep your papers in a fireproof box or with a lawyer. If your papers are in a safety deposit box, make sure that a family member or friend has access to the box. And although original documents are needed for legal purposes, give family members photocopies.

It also helps to gather contact information and note what needs to be done for many kinds of records, such as banks and savings, safety deposit boxes, life and health insurance, homeowners' or renters' insurance, attorneys, accountants, pension or retirement plans, investment companies, credit card companies, and your employer. You may not need every item on the list.

You may want to call a lawyer or financial planner to make sure you have taken all the right steps, and your bank can answer questions about how to change accounts and credit cards. Your health care team and these professionals can guide you further based on your situation.