What to Tell Your Personal Representative: the 4 Ps

What to Tell Your Personal Representative: the 4 Ps

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

February 5, 2024

Image by M. Gustafson Geravsi, 2024

Weekly clients express a desire to make sure taking care of their final affairs is easy for the Personal Representative (known as an Executor in other states). Wishes are achieved by taking action.  Here are the 4 "P"s I recommend sharing with your Personal Representative to ease the process when you earthly time comes to an end:

1. Personal Data -- include the basics such as Date of Birth, Social Security Number, dates of marriages, divorces or spouse/partner deaths as well as your religious affiliation, educational achievements and family tree.
2. People -- who should be contacted upon your death?  With many people using cell phones the white pages of yesteryear are gone.  Provide up-to-date cell phones, addresses and email addresses.  Include the obvious close family and friends as well as those people you rely on: childcare provider, pet sitter, employer or employees, housekeeper, lawn care service, accountant, attorney, and financial planner.
3. Pets -- Approximately 66% of American households have a pet.  Leave information relating to the veterinarian, food needs, pet sitter, and who can care for the animal(s) for both the short and long-term care needs.
4. Professional Duties -- for those still in the workforce or with active professional credentials, leave information related to professional organizations you belong to, a list of professional insurances you carry, banking and financial information related to your work duties, and social media accounts used for work purposes (such as LinkedIn).

Whether it is a yellow legal pad, a spreadsheet, or a new ap for your phone, taking the time to organize these key aspects of your life will make the process just a bit easier for the person(s) charged with handling your final affairs.

Thank you for reading.  Remember that a blog is not legal advice.  It is meant to spark thought and reflection.  Please consult with an attorney licensed in your home state for advice specific to your unique needs.  Be well, and please feel free to share this post on social media!