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Having your vital documents in order is priceless to your peace of mind and (even for me) often easier to procrastinate than to get done. I hope the story of my niece will prompt you into action. The problem often stems from not knowing what to do and how to get it done. So today's article will take some of the mystery out for you and help you get started.

1. Living Wills, Advance Directives, Medical Power of Attorney- These are important to have for any adult you may need to authorize care for. Living wills and other advance directives describe your preferences regarding treatment if you're faced with a serious accident or illness. These legal documents speak for you when you're not able to speak for yourself -- for instance, if you're in a coma.

Forms are often available for FREE from your local hospital. It's basically a legal form giving you permission to speak for another person in requard to their health care. It would be important to have on adult children as well as your parents or grandparents for whom you might become responsible as next of kin. Ours were easy to do. We just filled out the form and had some neighbors sign as witnesses. Learn more here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/living-wills/HA00014

2. Power of Attorney- This legal document gives another person various permissions to act instead of the giver. I always kept a General Power of Attorney from my husband since he was Active Duty Military. Without it I was unable to buy, sell property or even release our household goods for shipment in his absence. Be cautious about giving permissions like this. It can be very powerful! Read more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_of_attorney

3. Wills- It's important to have a will so that your property will convey to your desired heirs. More importantly your the guardianship of your minor children depends on your will. We'd all like to believe that everyone will be civil about "things" in the event of the death of a loved one...but I can tell you "it ain't so!" There are numerous on line will services. I'd, however, recommend having a local attorney create your will.

4. Insurance Policies- Gather up the life, health and property insurance documents. It's a good idea to review your policies periodically so things are up to date. Consider putting a reminder in your electronic calendar or on your annual calendar to get this done. A financial planner will be able to help you determine the amounts of insurance that will be right for your family. We recently added Long Term Care Insurance, too. It's less expensive to purchase when done early on. Consider Term life insurance as a cost effective way to create financial security. Don't overlook insuring the "stay at home mom". Replacing her childcare and home management will be expensive!

5. Other Important Documents- Keep original or "official" copies of Marriage License, Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, divorce decrees, adoption papers, church records (Baptisms, etc.), and family history records, medical records, property titles, resumes and passports organized in one central location. Just start to think of all the papers that are "important" and get them in one place. You might even photo copy your wallet contents and list your bank accounts.

6. Another VERY HELPFUL document to print and file with your important papers is "What to do when a family member dies" available on line at http://www.memberbenefits.com/floridabar/forms/HeritagePlanning/LIFErelativedies.pdf. Create a list of next of kin with contact info and info on any pre-arranged funeral plans. Pre-paid funeral arrangements are less expensive. The average cost of a funeral is about $5,000.

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