Quick answer
The documents that usually matter are your ID, marriage documents, divorce papers if any, asset list, debt list, beneficiary details, executor details, policy information, retirement-fund information and documents for trusts, companies or property. A will is short only when the facts behind it are simple.
Key takeaways
- The documents that usually matter are your ID, marriage documents, divorce papers if any, asset list, debt list, beneficiary details, executor details, policy information, retirement-fund information and documents for trusts, companies or property. A will is short only when the facts behind it are simple.
- Prepare a simple estate pack. Put personal documents first, then family documents, then asset and debt records. Make a separate note of who should benefit and who should not benefit, especially where there are previous relationships, minor children or strained family relationships.