Most people know they should have a will, a health care directive and even a power of attorney as part of their estate plan.
These days, people are even remembering to list their online accounts and passwords in documents given to loved ones.
But an article in the New York Times says there are other things that are always going to slip by unless you are diligent.
The story told of one man whose father wanted to be buried in the Arlington National Cemetery. But when the man called the cemetery to line it up, he was told they needed a DD214 — military discharge documents — before they could arrange it. Without it, they would have to put him in cold storage for six months while he searched for it.
Finally, the man searched frantically through his father’s possessions and found the document being used as bookmark.
The article also told of a woman whose mother wanted to be cremated and her ashes scattered at sea. Her mother had said she was a member of the Neptune Society, which arranges such burials.
But when the woman called the society they said they had no record of her mother being a member. The burial could not be done the way she wanted it.
There are lots of things like these that can trip up your final wishes from being carried out. The article references a couple of books that can be downloaded that can help you remember everything you need to remember.
If you have questions about estate planning, feel free to call us for a consultation at (626) 696-3145.
