ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

Preparing a Letter of Last Instructions
 

Last week's Senior Talk article focused on important legal documents for persons planning his or her estate. This week's topic is writing a "letter of last instructions."
 

AUBURN, NOV. 19---A letter of last instructions is an informal document. You don't need an attorney to prepare it. The purpose of this letter is to give your executor or family member information concerning important personal and financial matters.

Although this letter does not carry the legal weight of a will, it is important because it clarifies requests to be carried out upon your death and provides essential information, thereby relieving the surviving family members of needless worry and speculation. Your heirs will be grateful for this information, says Dr. Jo Turner, Extension program specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

When writing your letter of last instructions, Turner says to use the following list as a guide and provide in detail, such information as names, address and telephone numbers.

Notification -- A list of people to notify of your death. Include family members, acquaintances and organizations (accountant, attorney, broker, employer, executor, financial institutions, insurance agents, news papers to receive obituary information, social security office [include social security number and location of card], and veterans administration if appropriate).

Funeral Arrangements -- Describe the arrangements you have already made and what your family is to make. Specify your wishes on the following: organ donations, autopsy if requested, simple arrangements, embalming, public viewing, least expensive burial or cremation container, or immediate disposition. Remains should be: donated (detail of arrangements made), cremated (and the ashes: scattered, buried at), disposed of as follows (details), or buried (at).

Describe the type of service and where, specify memorial gifts or flowers. If prearrangements have been made, give details.

Include the number of death certificates that will be needed to collect insurance and other benefits - at least six copies.

Put together information the funeral director will need such as your full name, address, marital status, spouse's name, date of birth, birthplace, father's and mother's name and birthplaces, name of next of kin (other than spouse), length of residence in state and in United States, military records/history, Social Security number, occupation, and life insurance information.

Personal Papers -- In your letter give the location of all of your personal documents including your will, birth, baptismal and marriage certificates, communion and confirmation certificates, diplomas, military papers, naturalization papers and any other documents such as divorce or adoption papers.

Insurance -- List all of your insurance policies by type (life, auto, home, veteran's, medical and credit life), company name and address, policy number and insurance agent. Include a description of any loans that you have taken out against a policy and not yet repaid. Also include the location of each policy.

Personal Effects -- Provide a list of your personal effects and who is to receive each. Include such detail as to who is to receive your golf clubs, gold watch and clothes.

Household Contents -- List the contents of your house with name of owners, form of ownership and location of documents, inventory and appraisals.

Automobiles -- Tell where the registration and other papers may be found.

Taxes -- Include in your letter the location of your income tax returns for the past five years.

Boxes - Safe Deposit Box -- Give the location of your safe deposit box, a list of the contents and where the key is located. Post Office Box - Provide the location and number of the box also give the location of the key or the combination of the box.

Credit Cards -- List your credit cards by issuer and by card number. Request a copy of "Credit Card Safety Record" from your local county Extension office.

Homeowner Records -- Give the location of the deed and mortgage papers on any property you own. Provide information on taxes, liens, leases, etc.

Investments -- Make a list of all stocks, bonds, and other securities by certificate number, issuers and cost. Tell where the documents are located and identify stockbrokers with name, address and telephone numbers.

Trusts -- Make a list of all the trusts that you have established. Give the name and address of the trustee and identify the type and size of the trust.

Loans -- List all loans and other accounts that you must repay. Give full information on terms, payments, collateral, etc.

Bank Accounts -- List all your checking and savings accounts by name and institution, address of the office where the account is located, the type of account and the account number. Include the location of canceled checks and statements.

Debts Owed You -- Make a list of all the debts owed to you, include full name, address and telephone number of the debtor, payment terms, collateral, etc.

Survivor's Benefits -- List possible sources of benefits not named in your will, such as social security, veteran's, employee, fraternal association, credit life insurance. Include how much to expect from each source.

Other -- Provide the location of receipts, warranties and other miscellaneous papers. Explain any unusual provisions of the will, such as disinheritance of a child or forgiveness of a debt.

Write your letter clearly so that even a stranger could understand it. Also be sure that your letter does not contradict your will. If your are in doubt, check with your attorney. Sign and date your letter. Since this letter describes your finances in detail, give a copy of the letter to your executor and keep the original and copies in a safe place.

SOURCE: DR. JO TURNER, an Extension Program Specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-3243