All kinds of documents require that you list an emergency contact. But why? Because the unexpected happens, and at some point, you’re going to need a trustworthy person to represent you when you can’t do it yourself.
Most of the time, an emergency contact is a close friend or family member, and they may already be somewhat familiar with your wishes and preferences. But to be most effective, there are 6 things you should discuss with your emergency contacts. The more information they have, the more able they are to support your wishes and make decisions on your behalf. Let’s talk about it!
1. The Location of Your Legal Documents and Insurance Policies
Your emergency contacts need to know where to find important documents like your legal will, birth and marriage certificates, deeds, titles, insurance policies, powers of attorney documents, health care directives, funeral planning documents, and records of creditors and assets, including digital assets and passwords.
If you’re using a safe for your documents, share the combination with your emergency contacts. You could also opt for a safe deposit box and coordinate with the bank to give your emergency contacts access. As an alternative, you might consider purchasing a watertight, fire-proof, easily transportable container. This way, your documents are safe and transportable if there’s a fire, flood, or some other unexpected event.
2. The Terms of Your Will and Trusts
Sit down with your emergency contact and go over your legal will. This includes your wishes for the distribution of your assets, heirlooms, furniture, and keepsakes.
To ensure your wishes are honored, include as many details in the will as possible and appoint a trusted executor. If there are any belongings or assets that are not directly addressed in the will, it’s best to update your will to include them.
Additionally, you may also wish to set up financial trusts to provide for your children or grandchildren. Consider appointing one of your emergency contacts as trustee and discussing the terms of those trusts.
3. Your Wishes for Medical Care
If you have specific wishes regarding your medical care, it’s best to outline those wishes with an advance care directive and discuss your choices with your emergency contacts. Advance care directives are documents that will protect you in case you are incapacitated and/or unable to make medical decisions for yourself. They will clearly outline your wishes for medical treatment and life-saving measures. You can learn more by reading “Understanding the Living Will & Why It Matters.”
4. Allergies and Blood Type
If you have allergies to food or medications, your emergency contacts should know so they can alert medical professionals if you are unable to do so. It is also a good idea to provide your emergency contacts with a record of your blood type in case of emergency.
5. The Care of Your Dependents and Pets
If you are responsible for children or pets, talk with your emergency contacts about their care. Let your emergency contacts know whom you name as the children’s guardian and how you’ve set up any insurance policy benefits, 401(k) funds, or other assets to provide financially for your children.
For pets, identify a friend or family member who can take in your furry (or non-furry) friends and provide a loving home. You can write down any pertinent details for your pets’ care and ask your emergency contact to pass the information along.
6. Your Funeral Wishes and Plans
One way you can love and protect your loved ones is by putting together a healing and meaningful funeral plan. By making the decisions now, you can ensure that your family doesn’t have to make hard decisions at an emotional time.
The best way to preplan is with a licensed funeral director at your trusted funeral home. They can review your options and ensure that your plan is practical, legal, within your budget, and healing for your grieving family.
Give your emergency contacts a copy of your funeral plans and keep a copy on file at the funeral home of your choice.
IMPORTANT: After prearranging your funeral, it is essential to share your plans with your family and emergency contacts. If you don’t, you run the risk that your family will never learn about your plans and may spend more money than you would have preferred. On top of that, if you’ve prepaid for your funeral and no one knows, your family may go to a different funeral home and pay for everything out of their own pocket. If this happens, the amount you’ve already paid toward your funeral may go to the state’s unclaimed property office. While the state will continue to try to contact your family, this may take years and is subject to state laws. To avoid this possibility, it’s best to share your plans.
What Next?
For a complete list of information your emergency contacts need to know, download this helpful checklist: What Your Emergency Contacts Should Know. By gathering all these documents, you are taking the first steps to getting your affairs in order. While the process takes time, it removes a lot of confusion and uncertainty. When your wishes are clear and understandable, your family can make decisions with confidence. As needed, consult trusted professionals, such as an estate planning attorney and your local funeral director. In the end, you will be glad you did!
DISCLAIMER: Individual circumstances and state laws vary, so any estate planning should only be undertaken with the help and assistance of an attorney licensed in your state.
