Oddlots

Random samplings of new affecting
the estate planning industry

Compiled by Christopher Weems, Associate Editor

Send an e-mail with your news item

No one likes to think about dying, but... drafting a "Letter of Instructions" for your family when you're alive and well is one of the most important and simple estate planning activities that all your readers should think about doing. Here's advice from Neuberger Berman Trust Company on what to include in a document to be read after your death.

Neuberger Berman Trust Company says this document should be held by your attorney, spouse and adult children.

The letter should include:

-The location of all estate planning documents, such as wills and trust

agreements

-A list of relevant advisors with contact information

-List of other people to contact on your death

-Location of any safe deposit boxes, inventory list, location of keys, who

is authorized to open

-List of life insurance policies, location and beneficiaries

-List of bank accounts and how they are titled

-Investment and trust account information

-A description of other assets

-Any debts or other liabilities

-Listing of all credit card accounts

-Inventory of other important documents like deeds and titles, and where

they are held

-Location of keys to all residences

-Description of any pension benefits and who to contact

-Instructions concerning funeral or memorial services