What documents should I organize for my family when I have advanced cancer?

Organizing your important records can spare your family a great deal of searching and stress. You can help by gathering records, insurance policies, documents, and instructions in one place.

The National Cancer Institute offers a helpful guide of papers your family may need. You may not need everything on it, but it includes information for banks, savings, and loans; safety deposit boxes; life insurance; health insurance; home or renters' insurance; attorneys; accountants; pension or retirement plans; investment companies; credit card companies; and your employer. Write down contact information and what needs to be done for each.

It also helps to make a list of where your family can find important papers, keep them in a fireproof box or with a lawyer, make sure a trusted person can access any safety deposit box, and give family members photocopies while keeping the originals secure. A lawyer or financial planner can help make sure you have taken all the right steps.