After a loved one has passed, family and friends take on the responsibility of planning the funeral as well as sorting out legal matters. Middendorf Funeral Home shares that taking care of the details ahead of time will make your wishes known while greatly easing the burden on your family. This funeral home knows that it can be difficult to know where to start, so they have shared their best tips on organizing end-of-life documents.

Put Your Will Together

If you don’t already have a will, this is the time to put one together. This document goes beyond dividing your silver and china among grandchildren. A will is a critical document that lists out your final wishes, helping heirs avoid difficult legal issues.

It’s important to update your will regularly to keep track of any increases or declines in wealth as well as new property. Entrust the most recent version of your will with an estate lawyer, and name an executor that will be in touch with them following your death.

Create a Master File

Prevent your loved ones from needing to sort through your paperwork. Keep end-of-life documents, such as your will, trust, life insurance policies and living will all together in a secure, water-resistant container. You should also consider adding in records such as your marriage certificate, passports and banking information. Make sure that your executor knows where to find it.

Tell Your Loved Ones

Though it can be a difficult subject to broach, it’s important that your loved ones know there is an existing plan. Entrust a close friend or family member with directions on how they can find the documents they need.

For more guidance on pre-planning funeral arrangements, reach out to Middendorf Funeral Home. For 150 years, generations of Northern Kentucky residents have trusted this funeral home to help celebrate their deceased loved ones. They are there to help you with all of your funeral needs, from cremation to writing funeral obituaries. Learn more about pre-planning funerals online or by calling (859) 341-7800.