Documents to Prepare Before Your Death

May 9, 2022

Though it’s uncomfortable to think about, everyone will die eventually. Be ready for your passing by preparing these documents before your cremation service.

Death is never a pleasant topic, but it’s a part of life no one can escape. Rather than avoid death until you can’t anymore, why not instead be as prepared for your cremation services in Winter Haven, FL as you can be? One way to prepare for your passing is by gathering important documents: healthcare power of attorney, will, HIPPAA release, and an ICE book.
ICE Book of Important Documents - While an in case of emergency (ICE) book isn’t a formal document, it’s a major help for families to gain access to important documents when a loved one passes away or is incapacitated. Make one and keep it in a secure yet obvious place in the event of your death. Include documents in your ICE book like:

Tax returns going back 5 years
Bank accounts
Medical and dental records
Insurance information
Birth certificate
Social security card
Important passwords

Healthcare Power of Attorney - A healthcare power of attorney (POA) document appoints someone to make your medical decisions for you if you ever become unable. This document is good to have in the event of any medical problems from terminal illnesses and loss of brain function to temporary unconsciousness. Choose someone you trust to be your healthcare POA. Some states require a POA to be notarized with additional witnesses, but all states require the document to be signed by all involved parties.
HIPAA Release - The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) stipulate that all medical records are confidential between the patient and the healthcare provider. If you want a family member to have access to your records in case you pass away or become incapacitated, you need to fill out and sign a HIPPAA Release form.
Will - Your will is a document that states who will receive your assets and belongings after you pass. Wills must meet some important criteria to be valid, so it’s always a good idea to consult an attorney. Make sure your will:

Clearly identifies itself as your personal will and clearly lists your name, date of birth, and social security number.
Names an executor to make sure your exact wishes are carried out, from cremation to dividing the assets.
Clearly lists and identifies the heirs
Names all your assets, from bank accounts to estates and everything in between, and designates which heir will get what percentage of each asset.
Is signed by you and two or three witnesses

You can also draw up a living will in the event you become incapacitated in some way. Different than a POA or a will, a living will let you lay out your end of life wishes in the event you become terminally ill.

We are here to help and can assist you with these and any other Winter Haven, FL cremation service preparation you need. Please give us a call to learn more about what we can do in your time of loss or preplanning .