In the crush of business activity or just daily life we tend to lose track of important documents or fail to secure them in an accessible location. Moreover, when those important records are needed, we are usually in a rush and disrupt our office or home trying to find them. Some of the personal and business records you should maintain in a secure and assessable location are listed below.
Your personal records include:
- Birth certificates, passports and adoption information
- Marriage certificate and divorce papers
- Will, trust and estate planning documents
- Durable healthcare power of attorney, living will, do not resuscitate order and authorization for healthcare information
- Durable financial power of attorney, in case you are incapacitated
- Seven years of tax returns
- Ownership documentation for real estate, cemetery plots, vehicles, stocks, etc.
- Documents regarding loans and debts
- A list of bank, brokerage and investment accounts, and safe deposit box information and keys
- Insurance policies and related documents for automobile, life, medical, home and disability
- All pension, 401(k), IRA documents
- User names and passwords for internet accounts
Your business records include:
- Ownership and incorporation documents in the corporate book
- A list of all investment, savings, checking and other accounts and investments, with information as to appropriate signators
- Tax returns for the prior seven years
- All insurance policies for the prior ten years
- A list of current receivables and payables
- Key contracts and documents such as leases, credit arrangements and franchises
- Releases or settlements of claims or lawsuits
- Contact information for your accountant, lawyer, consultants and others
If we can assist you in organizing or addressing any of the issues regarding your business or personal finances or succession, please contact me.
Douglas C Tibble
dtibble@napervillelaw.com
