THIS QUESTION HAS been asked of this office hundreds of times. Unfortunately, the question usually comes after the death of a loved one has already occurred. While it may be impossible to truly prepare for the overwhelming emotions and dilemmas that arise with the loss of a loved one, it does help when most of the issues have already been settled.

This checklist is designed to equip you and your loved ones with knowledge and information that may prove helpful as you prepare one another for the task of handling the affairs of a deceased loved one.

• Create a military file that includes your retirement orders, separation papers, medical records, etc. Make sure your spouse knows the location and telephone number of the nearest military installation.
• Create a military retired pay file that includes the pertinent information for Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and your military personnel command (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard):

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
Directorate of Retired Pay (Code FR)
Post Office Box 99191
Cleveland, Ohio, 44199-1126
(800) 321-1080 or (216) 522-5955

(This file should also include the number of any VA claim still pending and the address of the VA office being used; a list of deductions currently being made from benefits; and the name, relationship and address of the person you have made the beneficiary of any unpaid retired pay at the time of death.)

• Create an annuities. This should include the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RFSPP), Civil Service, etc. Information regarding SBP annuities can be obtained from the Denver DFAS office at 1-800-435-3396.
• Create a personal document file that has copies of marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoptions and naturalization papers.
• Create an income tax file. Include copies of both of your state and federal income tax returns.
• Create a property tax file. Include copies of tax bills, deeds and any other related information.
• Create an insurance policy file. Include life, property, accident, liability and hospitalization policies.
• In a secure location, maintain a list of all bank accounts (joint or individual). Include the location of all deposit boxes, savings bonds, stocks, bonds and any securities owned.
• In a secure location, maintain a list of all charge accounts and credit cards. Include account numbers and mailing addresses.
• Maintain a list of all associations and organizations of which you are a member. Some of them could be helpful to your spouse.
• Maintain a list of all friends and business associates who may be helpful. Include name, address and phone number.
• Spend time with your spouse discussing your plans in respect to the type of funeral, burial, cremation or service you would prefer. If they know your desires, it may resolve many of the questions they might have to face at a later date.
• Visit a local funeral home and pre-arrange your services. Many states will allow you to pre-pay for services.
• Investigate the decisions that you and your family have agreed upon. Many states have specific laws and guidelines regulating cremation and burials at sea. Some states require a letter of authority signed by the deceased in order to authorize a cremation. Know the laws in your specific area and how they may affect your decisions.
• Once your decisions have been made and you're comfortable with them, have them drawn up outlining all your wishes.
• Ensure that your will and all other official documents are maintained in a secure location known by your loved ones.
• When all the decision making and documenting is completed, sit back and continue to enjoy life. Rest assured that you have done everything possible to help prepare your loved ones for a day when you may no longer be there to help.