While none of us want to think about the details of our inevitable death, have
you provided your survivors with the details they need?
Use the checklist below to make sure your survivors have peace of
mind.
Survivor "Peace of Mind"
Checklist
for CSRS and FERS Federal Employees
Yes
No
Would you know if the deceased had a valid will and where to find an
original copy?
Would you know the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the deceased
next-of-kin?
Would you know the name, address and phone number of the attorney who
prepared the deceased's will? Would you know if that will was ever
filed?
Would you know if the deceased had life insurance and where to find a copy
of the insurance policies and/or policy number(s)?
Would you know the deceased's Social Security number or the location of
his/her Social Security Card?
Would you know where to locate the deceased's birth certificate?
Would you know where to locate the deceased's marriage
certificate?
Would you know where to locate the deceased's bank and checking account
books?
Would you know whether or not those bank and checking accounts are joint
accounts?
Would you know if the deceased had given a durable power of attorney to
anyone? Would you know that person's name and identity?
Would you know if the deceased had a living trust or an irrevocable trust
and who administers the trust?
Would you know if the deceased served in the military and where to locate
their military discharge papers (DD-214)?
Would you know if the deceased had a safety deposit box? Do you know the
location of the key to the box?
Would you know where to find a ready source of cash the survivors can use to
live on until the will is settled and to make a down payment on the funeral and
non-funeral expenses
Would you know the location of the deceased's credit cards and the card
identification numbers?
Would you know if the deceased had purchased a prearranged (pre-need)
funeral?
Are you aware of the deceased's final wishes regarding a funeral and
burial?
Would you know the name and location of the funeral director?
Would you know the amount payable and the type of funeral that had been
arranged?
Would you know where to find the pre-need funeral contract?
If no prior arrangements have been made, would you know approximately what
the average traditional funeral costs today?
Would you know if the deceased had purchased a cemetery/burial space and
where the space and deed are located?
Would you know where to find a resume or record of the deceased's current
and past employment?