Getting Organized
Survivors often become overwhelmed with a mountain of paperwork from insurance and mortgage companies, creditors and banks, the decedent's employer and many other businesses and individuals. Such correspondence can mount up quickly and you simply may not be able to handle it all at once.
What's the first step?
Resist any temptation to initially throw away relevant decedent correspondence as a way of simplifying your life. Initially, it may be difficult to decide what is important and what is not. With time, you will gain a better grasp of what can be discarded.
A relatively simple way to organize all the mail, documentation and paperwork is to start a basic filing system. Whether you use folders or large manila envelopes in a filing cabinet or just piles on the dining room table, the point is to retain these documents in a secure place and create a system for quick and easy retrieval. Consider having folders or piles for each type of correspondence. Use Post-It™ notes or other clear markings to mark due dates in plain view. In short, pick a system that works for you.
Here are the suggested categories and related documents for each file folder. While this system may take some time to set up, it will provide a smooth and efficient way to retain and retrieve important documents.
- Estate Documents
- Life Insurance
- Correspondence from Employer
- Tax Information
- Business-Related
- Correspondence from Banks
- Bills
- Automobile Papers
- Personal Documentation
- Family's Personal Documentation
- Investment Information
- List of All Property Owned by Decedent
For more specifics about getting organized see chapter 3 of The Survivor Assistance Handbook. |
