Budgeting Financial Planning Estate Planning Important Papers to Locate After Someone Dies By Julie Garber Updated on October 23, 2021 Reviewed by JeFreda R. Brown Reviewed by JeFreda R. Brown JeFreda R. Brown is a financial consultant, Certified Financial Education Instructor, and researcher who has assisted thousands of clients over a more than two-decade career. She is the CEO of Xaris Financial Enterprises and a course facilitator for Cornell University. learn about our financial review board Fact checked by Ariana Chávez After someone dies, family members will need to locate all of the decedent's important papers. It will give family members and, if necessary, the estate attorney assisting the family with settling the decedent's final affairs, all of the pertinent information needed to complete probate or the trust settlement process. Below is the list of documents that are needed to settle an estate or trust. Copies of the documents are fine unless otherwise noted. Asset information eyetoeyePIX / Getty Images Copies or originals of the following documents will be needed: Account statements: Including bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s and annuities) for at least a few months prior to death. Life insurance policies: Note that for some older policies the insurance company will require the return of the original policy. Beneficiary designations: For life insurance, retirement accounts, payable on death accounts and transfer on death accounts. Deeds for real estate: There is a common misconception that the original deed is needed, but a copy is fine. Automobile and boat titles: The original titles will be required to transfer legal title. Stock and bond certificates: For stocks or bonds held in certificate form, the original certificate will be required to transfer legal title. Closely-Held Business Documents If the decedent owned a closely-held business, then copies or originals of the following documents will be needed: Corporate, LLC or partnership documents: This includes copies of the corporate charter or articles of organization and minutes; a copy of the shareholder's agreement, operating agreement, or partnership agreement; minutes documenting meetings and decisions; and original stock or LLC certificates to transfer legal title.Account statements: Including bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement, accounts for at least a few months prior to death.Automobile and boat titles: The original titles will be required if the legal title will be transferred.Contracts: Including leases, loans, vehicle loans, and employment agreements.Business licenses: Including local and state licenses.Income tax returns: Federal and state returns for the past three years. Contracts Copies or originals of the following contracts will be needed: Prenuptial agreements (Including any amendments)Postnuptial agreements (Including any amendments)Loans (Including personal loans, lines of credit, and mortgages, along with the original promissory notes.)Leases (including real estate and automobile leases.) Bills Copies of the following bills will be needed: Utility billsCell phone billsCredit card billsMortgages and personal loans (including lines of credit)Real estate tax billsStorage unit billsMedical billsFuneral bill Estate Planning Documents If the decedent had an estate plan, then copies or originals of the following documents will be needed: Last Will and Testament and Codicil(s): The original will and codicils will be required because if an original cannot be found, then it is presumed the decedent destroyed them, Revocable Living Trust and Amendment(s): Usually a copy of the trust or amendment is all that is required. Tax Returns Copies of the following tax returns will be needed: Income tax returns (federal and state for the past three years)Gift tax returns (federal and state) Death Certificates Multiple, original death certificates will be required to settle the decedent's final affairs. It is recommended to order a minimum of ten. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit