1. Create a list of people your family may need to reach after you pass. At the top of the list write your name, date of birth, social security number, and legal state of residence. Then write down current information including telephone, email, and address of your attorney, the person you give power of attorney to, and any and everyone who is dependant on you. Create a list of the people you want notified if something happens to you. You can break it into lists, such as if you are in the hospital, car wreck, death, etc. Again, include contact information.
2. Important records is the next list. You want to write down what you have, when it was created, and any changes made to it, as well as where it is. For example, you want to put down that you have medical records, and any major events that may affect them. You will want to write down when your will was created, who helped you, and when and if any changes were made. Write down who your power of attorney is, where you made funeral arrangements, where you have insurance policies and which policies you hold. Additionally, you want to put down where your birth certificate and citizenship papers are, where you were born, etc. Include location for passports, marriage certificates, divorce info, titles, deeds, registrations, etc. If you can put down policy numbers, company names, contact information, and any beneficiaries.
3. Catalog your funds. This should be on a new page. You are going to list all of your financial accounts, including loans, credit cards, mortgages, retirement accounts, investments, and checking and savings accounts. You want to start with writing down account numbers, and which name is on the account. If you have a beneficiary attached to the account, then put that down. Then list any contact information you have for each account. This might be name, address, phone number of the physical company and any agent that has handled the account. Include trusts, accounts, etc. and the name of your tax advisor, and where your tax records are located.
4. Now take this information and put it somewhere safe. You can make some copies, and put one in your home in a fireproof safe. Put another copy in a safe deposit box at a bank. Last put another copy with someone who is going to be in authority to open it without you. Put the original copies and power of attorney documents with the person who is going to be in charge of your final arrangements.
5. Make sure people know that you have these papers put together, that you have put them in a safe deposit box, and who you have authorized to deal with your wishes when you pass.