Stop What You’re Doing: The 4 Items You Are Recklessly Throwing Away at Funerals That Could Cost You Everything

Finally, do not touch the important documents and records until you have legal counsel. This category is the most practical, yet it is often the most recklessly discarded. Wills, insurance policies, property deeds, birth and marriage certificates, and medical directives are the blueprints of a person’s life and legacy. Throwing away what looks like a stack of “old paperwork” could lead to catastrophic legal complications, frozen assets, or the loss of unclaimed property that belongs to the family. These papers can contain clues to hidden accounts, historical data, and critical information that you will desperately need when settling the estate. Collect these in a fireproof, locked box and make certified copies immediately. If you are unsure of a document’s importance, set it aside in a clearly labeled folder and leave it for a time when your emotions have settled and you can review it with a clear, calm head.