Important Documents You Will Need

Settling the affairs of another person can be very difficult if important documents can't be found. It's always a good idea to keep copies of these documents in a secure place. The following is a brief list of documents that you will need to settle the affairs of a deceased family member or friend.

• Certified Death Certificate - You will need approximately 10-15 certified copies of the death certificate to apply for any benefits, file tax returns, and gain access to bank accounts. Your funeral director can get them fro you, or you can contact the county clerk directly. You may also get additional copies of the death certificate several weeks after the death by contacting your count's Vital Statistics Office.
  
  
• A copy of the Will or Trust - If you can't find a copy of the will among the deceased's papers or in a safe deposit box, you should contact the deceased's attorney. I the deceased moved during his or her adult life, you may have to contact a previous attorney in another city.
  
  
• Insurance Policies - Be sure to set aside all insurance policies you find. Although life insurance is the primary focus after a death, you will also have to make changes to auto, property, and other insurance policies. If you fell that the deceased owned additional life insurance policies but are unable le to find the, contact the American Council of Life Insurers.
  
  
• Social Security Numbers - For purposes of administering the will and life insurance, survivors will need to provide Social Security numbers for the deceased, deceased's spouse, and all dependent children. The deceased's Social Security number will be listed on the death certificate.
  
  
• Birth Certificates for Dependent Children - If you cannot find birth certificates, you can obtain additional copies form the state or county public health department where the children were born.
  
  
• Federal Income Tax Filings - Federal income tax filings are a good source of basic financial information. They include lists of bank accounts, employers, investment accounts, and other assets the deceased may have had.
  
  
• Marriage License - The spouse of the deceased will need a copy of the marriage license to apply for certain benefits, such as Social Security. A copy of your marriage certificate can be obtained through the clerk's office of the county in which you were married.
  
  
• Military Discharge Papers - To receive veteran's benefits, you'll need a copy of the deceased's military discharge papers.
  
  
• A list of all properties and assets - You may find this information among the deceased's papers or computer files, in a safe deposit box, or on file with the deceased's attorney. Look for deeds and titles for homes, cars, and boats as well as records for investments, pension funds, and bank statements.