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FAMILY PREPAREDNESS “For Greater Family Security” C orrectional Peace Officers Foundation, Inc.

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FAMILY PREPAREDNESS

“For Greater Family Security”

Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, Inc.

C o r r e c t i o n a l Pe a c e O f f i c e r s Fo u n d a t i o n , I n c .

As you read and review this Family Preparedness Handbook, we hope you will find its contents informative and useful. Almost all of the information, suggestions and guidelines – and certainly the forms – are applicable and of value to just about everyone.

We would like to draw your attention particularly to certain pages and topics. The first is Estate Planning. Please be sure that you have a will! If you do not currently have a will, please make one, or have one made, as soon as you finish reading this Handbook. Without a written will or trust, the laws of your State will control your Estate.

Next, it is important to be aware of the Benefits on page three.

The forms on pages 13 through 23 of this special section speak for themselves in terms of their importance.

CAUTION: Do NOT keep this Handbook with its forms, once completed by you, in a safe deposit box. Instead keep it in a

secure yet readily accessible location.

Your comments about this Family Preparedness Handbook are welcome and will be appreciated. Please contact us in writing or via our Website: CPOF.ORG.

On behalf of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, we wish you and your family Safety, Security and Sensible Preparedness.

Correctional Peace Officers Foundation * 1346 North Market Blvd. * Sacramento, CA 95834P O Box 348390 * Sacramento, CA 95834-8390

(916) 928-0061 * (800) 800-2763 * Fax (916) 928-0072

IRC 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1) & 170 (b)(1)(A)(vi) * IRS ID# 68-0023302

2017

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………….….. Page 1

Estate Planning ………….……………………………………….………………….….. Page 2

What benefits are available .…………………………………………….......................... Page 3

How to safeguard death benefits .………………………………………………………. Page 4

How to file a claim with your employer ………………………………………………... Page 5

Preparing your family to receive benefits …………………………………………….… Page 6

Family Contact Information forms ….………………………………………………….. Page 7-8

Dealing with a violent death…………………………………………………………….. Page 9

Handling legal affairs ........................................................................................................ Page 10-11

Immediate arrangements after a death .................…………….....................……….…... Page 12

Forms

Vital Statistics (Husband)………………………………………………………….……. Page 13

Vital Statistics (Wife) …………………………………………………………….…….. Page 14

Memorial Plans (Husband) ……………………………………………………….…….. Page 15

Memorial Plans (Wife) …………………………………………………………….….... Page 16

Notification of time of death (Husband) … ……………………………………….…..... Page 17

Notification of time of death (Wife) ………………………………………………....…. Page 18

Documents and Personal Papers …………………………………………………….….. Page 19

Children information ……………………………………………………………….…... Page 20

What to do about Social Security and Veterans Benefits …………………………….… Page 21

What to do about Insurance …………………………………………………………….. Page 22

Notes: ……………………………………………………………………………….…... Page 23

2017

INTRODUCTION

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) is a non-profit tax exempt charitable organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a service to the many thousands who work within the Corrections Profession and their families, CPOF has assembled in this booklet various types of information which may be useful to the family when considering the many issues associated with a death.

CPOF has attempted to assemble relevant information associated with planning an estate and dealing with the consequences that follow a death. This booklet is intended to act as a general guide for the various issues that arise in the event of a death.

Due to the complexity of applicable federal and state laws, the Correctional Professional and his/her family are encouraged to consult with their employee association representatives, employer personnel representative and local legal counsel when considering the various issues raised in this booklet.

Should any of the forms in this booklet be utilized by family members, a regular review of the information should be conducted. In addition, this information should be maintained in a safe and secure location. It should not be placed in a safe deposit box.

CPOF provides this booklet with the hope that it will minimize the personal trauma associated with any unfortunate demise.

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, Inc.P O Box 348390

Sacramento, California 95834-8390

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2017

ESTATE PLANNING

Some thought should be given to an estate plan for all Correctional Personnel in an attempt to plan for the disposition of assets whether death arises from an on duty or off duty incident.

1. Each Staff Member is strongly encouraged to consult with his/her local estate planning attorney regarding the preparation of a will or trust.

2. Each state varies as to the laws regarding the disposition of assets. In general, intentions can be carried out only through a will or trust executed prior to his/her death.

3. In some states, local and state bar associations will provide forms which can be utilized as statutory wills. These forms are fairly inexpensive and in most cases will evidence the true intention of the deceased.

4. In the event that no provision is made through a will or trust, the state laws regarding intestate succession will govern the disposition of assets. Under the pertinent state law, the state will set forth a schedule and procedure for disposing of the deceased’s assets which, again, may not conform to the true intention of the deceased.

5. In addition to a will or trust, most states provide for various other documents to be executed evidencing the intention regarding maintaining an individual by artificial life support systems, withholding of medical treatment, designation of third parties to make health care deci- sions and designation of third parties to make legal decisions and act on behalf of an individual in the event that he/she becomes legally incompetent.

6. Finally, CPOF strongly encourages each individual to invest the time to consult with his/her local estate planning attorney regarding the various issues associated with estate planning.

“WE ARE FAMILY”

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2017

WHAT BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLETO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

The following benefits may be available to you and/or his/her family:

1. Social Security Survivors Insurance: Under certain circumstances you can draw Social Security benefits for your children until they reach the age of 18 or as long as they are in school.

2. Workmen’s Compensation

3. State Death Benefit

4. Veterans’ Benefits: Available to Veterans and spouses.

5. Retirement

6. Victim’s Compensation and Legal Services

7. Personal Life Insurance: Death benefits may be payable from policies secured through fraternal organizations, employee associations, credit unions, banks or savings and loan accounts.

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2017

HOW TO SAFEGUARD DEATH BENEFITS

Survivors will need a Financial Advisor to help invest monies received as death benefits safely and to protect their financial well-being. It is important to seek professional financial assistance because:

1. The survivor is usually in shock and may not know what steps to take to ensure financial security.

2. The death benefit must serve as partial or total replacement for the deceased’s income, which would have been ongoing over an indefinite period of time.

3. The death benefit may seem like a large amount; however, for the long term it is not really as large a sum as it seems at first. Putting the money to work for you is essential.

4. It is critical that survivors retain professional and competent financial advisors to advise them about the proper investment vehicles. Friends and family members, although well intentioned, may not be the best candidates to advise the survivors on long-term financial plan- ning to safeguard the family’s future. Competent advice can be acquired from licensed and certified financial planners and/or financial institutions. His/her family should establish a relationship with a competent advisor in the event of a death. Referral sources may include the family attorney, accountant or banker.

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is registered with the Internal Revenue Service underIRC 501(c)(3), Identification Number 68-0023302

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2017

HOW TO FILE A CLAIMWITH YOUR EMPLOYER

Each policy, benefit or entitlement regarding a death benefit will vary depending upon the required procedure for submitting a claim in general:

1. Typically, claims for payment of the benefit must be submitted directly to the employer, retirement system, association or carrier.

2. It is critical that his/her family members be aware of any deadlines for filing claims. It is highly recommended that his/her family members maintain any time deadlines with copies of policies and designation forms kept in a secure location with personal records.

3. In most cases a certified copy of a death certificate must be submitted with claim forms. Usually death certificates can be obtained through the local County Clerk, Recorder, Coroner; or through the hospital. It is suggested that, as soon as possible, the surviving family members secure at least 10-12 certified copies of death certificates.

4. When submitting claims, the surviving family members should ensure that the deceased’s Social Security number is properly identified on all claim forms.

5. The surviving family members should, as soon as possible, contact representatives from their employee association, employer, personnel office, retirement office, insurance carrier, Social Security office, etc., regarding the filing of claims. It is highly recommended that the employee association be used as a resource for information relative to filing claims. In addition, the family attorney should be consulted regarding filing claims for any death benefits including the filing of a worker’s compensation claim.

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HOW TO PREPARE YOUR FAMILYTO RECEIVE BENEFITS

In the event that the individual is entitled to a death benefit from any life insurance policy, employee benefit package, etc., this individual should ensure that all proper applications, forms and procedures have been followed in order to properly identify beneficiaries. Each policy program or entitlement will vary as to the conditions under which benefits are paid to beneficiaries. You are cautioned to carefully review those requirements. The following are general guidelines:

1. Identify a first and second beneficiary. These beneficiaries usually do not share benefits. In most cases, the second named beneficiary is eligible to receive benefits only in the event of the death of the first named beneficiary at the time the benefit is payable.

2. If you want to name two or more beneficiaries to share equally:

a) Write all names and addresses in the spaces indicated on the form.

b) Write the words “to share and share alike or share equally” making sure you write down the names.

3. Depending on the policy, you may change beneficiaries at any time. Please, discuss this with the payer of the policy.

4. It is your responsibility to ensure that the beneficiary designation is current. In most cases, the Beneficiary Designation Form is not effective unless signed by the individual and on file with the employer, insurance company, etc. at the time of your death.

5. If a named beneficiary dies prior to you and no contingent beneficiary has been named, payment may be made according to the laws of legal survivorship for your state. In most cases it is: SURVIVING Spouse, Children, Parents, Siblings or Estate of Deceased.

6. Certain policies and entitlements may provide a “window” period in which he/she can change or modify beneficiaries. Each policy or entitlement should be reviewed.

7. In the event of any question regarding the designation of beneficiaries, you should consult with his/her association representative, employer personnel representative, retirement specialist, insurance broker or legal counsel.

8. Copies of all current Beneficiary Designation forms should be maintained with valuable personal records. You should annually review Designation forms to ensure that his/her intentions will be properly carried out in the event of his/her death. We encourage the spouse or beneficiary to be aware of all changes as well.

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2017

2017

Notes:

Your Name:

Address:

Social Security #: Home Phone #:

Spouse’s Name: Phone #:

Spouse’s Place of Employment (if applicable):

Spouse’s Employer Address:

Spouse’s Employer Phone #:

Spouse’s Dept or Supervisor:

Child’s Name:

Child’s School:

Child’s School Address:

School Phone #: Teacher/Principal:

Child’s Name:

Child’s School:

Child’s School Address:

School Phone #: Teacher/Principal:

Parent’s Name: Phone #:

Parent’s Place of Employment (if applicable):

Parent’s Employer Address:

Parent’s Employer Phone #:

Parent’s Dept or Supervisor:

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2017

Sibling’s Name: Phone #:

Siblings Place of Employment (if applicable):

Siblings Employer Address:

Siblings Employer Phone #:

Siblings Dept or Supervisor:

Sibling’s Name: Phone #:

Siblings Place of Employment (if applicable):

Siblings Employer Address:

Siblings Employer Phone #:

Siblings Dept or Supervisor:

Friend’s Name: Phone #:

Friend’s Address:

Friend’s Employer:

Friend’s Employer Phone #:

Friend’s Dept or Supervisor:

Friend’s Name: Phone #:

Friend’s Address:

Friend’s Employer:

Friend’s Employer Phone #:

Friend’s Dept or Supervisor:

Name of Pastor/Priest/Rabbi/Other Religious Contact:

Address:

Phone #: -8-

2017

2017

Notes:

DEALING WITH A VIOLENT DEATH

1. Generally, it takes 18 to 24 months just to stabilize after the death of a family member. It can take even longer when the death was a violent one. Recognize the length of the mourning process. Beware of developing unrealistic expectations of yourself.

2. Your worst times usually are not at the same time, or immediately after, a tragic event takes place. This is because you are almost numb, in a state of shock. Often you slide into depression four to seven months after the event. Ironically, and this is something that is hard to cope with, when you are depressed at this stage and tempted to despair, it is at this very point that many people expect you to be close to “getting over” your loss.

3. When people ask you how you are doing, don’t always automatically say “fine.” Share your feelings as often as circumstances allow and depending on how well you know the person inquiring. If you are feeling sad and bad, it’s all right to say so. Note that grieving is a natural process, and that we all need our friends, co-workers and employers alike to be compassionate and understanding.

4. Talking with a true friend or with others who have experienced the same loss can be very helpful. Those who have “been there” in particular can speak your language. When they say, “I know how you feel,” you believe it because they really do know how you feel, and you know you’re not alone.

5. Depression can be a cover for anger. Learn not to bottle up your feelings or to mask them, and try to find appropriate ways to release your pent-up emotions. One of these emotions often is real rage. Among other reasons, what you’re going through seems so unfair and unjust.

6. Take time to grieve and to experience being a victim. It may be necessary to spend some time feeling sorry for yourself. “Pity parties” with others in the same situation, or very close to it, sometimes are helpful and actually can be very therapeutic.

7. It’s all right to cry, to question, to be weak. Beware of letting yourself be “put on a pedestal” by others who tell you what an inspiration you are because of your ability to cope so well. (If they only knew…)

8. Remember, you are almost certainly a “rookie” at the experience you’re going through. This is probably the first violent death you have had to cope with (and we all hope it will be the last). You’re new at this and don’t know what to do or how to act. You need help and there is nothing wrong with that.

9. Reach out and try to help others in some small way. This little, easy-to-take step forward may prevent you from dwelling too much on yourself and your situation.

10. Many times opportunity often presents itself in times of crisis. Strangely, your faith in yourself and in others can be deepened as a result of going through a crisis. Seek out people who can help and serve as a symbol of hope to you. --Jennifer Donaldson

-9-2017

HANDLING LEGAL AFFAIRS AND THE SURVIVING FAMILY AFTER DEATH

In all states there is a statutory scheme for administering the estate after a death. Typically, these procedures (defined by the state Probate Code) will vary from state to state. Generally, the following should be kept in mind:

1. A will or trust executed by the deceased will govern the disposition of assets after the death.

2. The originals of all current wills or trusts of the deceased will have been secured. As soon as possible, the surviving spouse should consult with legal counsel regarding the legal requirements for the disposition and transfer of the assets of the deceased. No assets should be transferred, assigned, sold or disposed of until legal counsel has been consulted.

3. The estate of the deceased may not necessarily warrant a probate administration, yet title to certain assets will need to be transferred. For example, the deceased may be on title to real estate, automobiles, stocks, bonds, etc., all of which need to be revised in order to remove the decedent’s name. Unless the property was held in trust, statutory procedures will need to be followed to clear title. In some cases, title may be cleared by the submission of an application by the surviving spouse accompanied by a certified copy of the death certificate.

4. In some states, certain estates are exempt from probate administration, therefore negating any probate fees normally associated with estate administration. Again, consultation with legal counsel is necessary.

5. Prior to the consulting with legal counsel, the surviving family should compile a comprehensive list of all assets of the estate with estimates of their value.

6. In the event that the deceased had executed a revocable or irrevocable trust, and transferred assets to the trust, then the terms of the trust will state how, and to whom, the asset will be transferred. Surviving, alternate or co-trustees will be responsible for disposing of the assets pursuant to the terms of the trust document. Surviving or co-trustees have a fiduciary duty to the trust and its beneficiaries. State laws will vary as to the necessary elements of administration of a trust estate and disposition of assets, therefore legal counsel should be consulted. Again, original trust documents and any amendments should be tended as soon as possible to legal counsel.

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2017

Handling Legal Affairs (cont’d)

7. In the event of a probate administration, the executor identified in the will is responsible for the administration of the estate. If a trust was executed the surviving alternative or co-trustee shall be charged with the same responsibility.

8. The surviving spouse and family members should consult with legal counsel who is competent in the area of probate and trust administration. Referral should be secured through associate professionals such as accountants. In the event that the family and surviving spouse are unfamiliar with legal counsel competent in the area, they should consult with their local bar association for referral. The surviving spouse and family should interview prospective legal counsel to determine whether they are not only competent, but also maintain the appropriate personal demeanor to handle the sensitive issues which arise during the course of the probate or trust administration.

9. Attorneys’ fees generally associated with probate administration are determined by state statutory minimums but in some cases can be negotiated by the parties. Consultations with legal counsel regarding trust administration are generally handled on an hourly basis which should be fully disclosed by the attorney prior to the family retaining him/her.

10. In the event the deceased died without leaving a will or trust, most states have laws of intestate succession which determine the distribution of assets on death. Generally, assets of the deceased will pass to his/her spouse and children, but each state may vary as to the distribution of those assets.

11. Under certain circumstances the family and/or surviving spouse have a legal right to initiate legal proceedings against those parties responsible for the death. In all states there are strict statutory time periods in which the survivors must file a claim. The surviving family should consult with legal counsel immediately as to the appropriate statutes of limitation. Once the statute period has run, typically there will be no opportunity for the family to initiate a claim.

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2017

IMMEDIATE ARRANGEMENTS AFTER A DEATH

Arrangements will need to be made for the various matters that arise immediately after a death. The following is intended to highlight a number of those issues:

1. Obviously, funeral/burial arrangements should be made prior to the death of any individual but in the event that the surviving family cannot ascertain any specifics, the family should:

A) Determine the existence of written documents, forms, or directives executed by the deceased regarding the donation of anatomical gifts (organ donor). B) Determine if there had been a designation of a third party to make the determination as to any donation of anatomical gifts. C) Determine if the deceased had become a member of any church or religion which preclude the donation of anatomical gifts.

2. Review the state Anatomical Gift Act or the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act as adopted by most states.

3. In most cases regarding violent death, the County Coroner will require an autopsy to be performed.

A) Is an actual Coroner’s inquest going to be convened as the result of a violent or criminal act?

B) If an autopsy will be conducted, the family is strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney.

4. The Spouse of the deceased is usually in no condition to handle immediate arrangements after the death. Therefore a responsible family member should be asked to carry out the wishes of the surviving spouse. Typically, many well-meaning family members will want to participate in making immediate arrangements and as a result may unintentionally create a certain amount of stress for the surviving family.

CPO Foundation * P O Box 348390 * Sacramento, CA 95834-8390 * (916) 928-0061

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2017

Notes:

Vital statistics* -- HusbaNd

Date:

Name: First Middle Last

Address: City State/Zip County

Birthplace: City State County Country

Date of Birth: Month Day Year

Citizen of What Country: If Naturalized Citizen, Naturalization Number:

Occupation:

Social Security Number:

Type of Industry or Business:

Name of Company by whom employed:

If Veteran, Name of War(s):

Dates of Military Service:

Branch of Service: Rank: Serial Number:

Year Residence Established in this State:

Year Residence Established in this community or Country:

Marital Status: Married Single Divorced Widower

Name of Wife: Date of Birth:

Wife’s Birthplace: City State County

Name of Father:

Birthplace: Date of Birth: City/State/County

Mother’s Maiden Name:

Birthplace: Date of Birth: City/State/County

*This “Vital Statistics” information will be required for filling out a death certificate.The Funeral Director will record it and have certified copies made.

Twelve or more copies will probably be needed.

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2017

Vital statistics* -- Wife

Date:

Name: First Middle Last

Address: City State/Zip County

Birthplace: City State County Country

Date of Birth: Month Day Year

Citizen of What Country: If Naturalized Citizen, Naturalization Number:

Occupation:

Social Security Number:

Type of Industry or Business:

Name of Company by whom employed:

If Veteran, Name of War(s):

Dates of Military Service:

Branch of Service: Rank: Serial Number:

Year Residence Established in this State:

Year Residence Established in this community or Country:

Marital Status: Married Single Divorced Widower

Name of Husband: Date of Birth:

Husband’s Birthplace: City State County

Name of Father:

Birthplace: Date of Birth: City/State/County

Mother’s Maiden Name:

Birthplace: Date of Birth: City/State/County

*This “Vital Statistics” information will be required for filling out a death certificate.The Funeral Director will record it and have certified copies made.

Twelve or more copies will probably be needed.

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2017

MeMorial PlaNs -- HusbaNd

I desire the following Memorial Arrangements:

I prefer: Lawn Interment: Entombment/Cremation:

Vault (Material of Vault) to be or Liner

I own Cemetery Property: Yes No

I do not own property, but prefer: Name of Cemetery preferred:

Address: City/State

Telephone:

If property is owned, give legal description:

Deed in the Name of:

Location of Deed:

Mortuary Preferred:

Address if Mortuary:

City/State: Telephone:

I Prefer the Service in: Chapel

Church

Favorite Music, Hymns & Scriptures:

I request that not over $ be spent for my funeral.

Church Affiliation:

Clergyman Desired:

Fraternal Affiliations:

Special Requests:

I would like to have these arrangements completed for me by: Name

Relationship Phone Number

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2017

MeMorial PlaNs -- Wife

I desire the following Memorial Arrangements:

I prefer: Lawn Interment: Entombment/Cremation:

Vault (Material of Vault) to be or Liner

I own Cemetery Property: Yes No

I do not own property, but prefer: Name of Cemetery preferred:

Address: City/State

Telephone:

If property is owned, give legal description:

Deed in the Name of:

Location of Deed:

Mortuary Preferred:

Address if Mortuary:

City/State: Telephone:

I Prefer the Service in: Chapel

Church

Favorite Music, Hymns & Scriptures:

I request that not over $ be spent for my funeral.

Church Affiliation:

Clergyman Desired:

Fraternal Affiliations:

Special Requests:

I would like to have these arrangements completed for me by: Name

Relationship Phone Number

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2017

Please Notify tHese PersoNs at tHe tiMe of My deatH -- HusbaNd

Notify the Following Immediately:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Others to be Notified:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Please Notify these organizations:

Name of Organization: Address: Telephone:

Name of Organization: Address: Telephone:

Name of Organization: Address: Telephone:

-17-2017

Please Notify tHese PersoNs at tHe tiMe of My deatH -- Wife

Notify the Following Immediately:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Others to be Notified:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Name: Relationship Address:

City/State/Zip: Telephone:

Please Notify these organizations:

Name of Organization: Address: Telephone:

Name of Organization: Address: Telephone:

Name of Organization: Address: Telephone:

-18-2017

docuMeNts aNd PersoNal PaPers

Accounts in Banks, Savings & Loans and Credit Associations:

Account in: Type of Account: Account in: Type of Account:

Account in: Type of Account:

Account in: Type of Account:

In most states, when a death occurs, no checks of a joint account will be Honored until permitted by the Inheritance Tax Department.

Safety Deposit Boxes:

Location of Box: Location of Keys:

Location of Box: Location of Keys:

Stocks and Bonds:

Name: Location of Certificate:

Name: Location of Certificate:

Name: Location of Certificate:

In most states, when a death occurs, deceased’s deposit box cannot be opened unlessExecutor or administrator of the estate has been appointed or in the presence of a

Representative of the Inheritance Tax Department.

Location of the Following:

Birth Certificate:

Children’s Birth Certificates:

Marriage Certificate:

Deeds & Titles:

Mortgages & Notes:

Last Will and Testament:

Military Discharge:

Income Tax Records:

Other Documents:

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2017

cHildreN

Name: Insurance $ Birth Date: Month: Day: Year: Relationship:

Birthplace City/State:

Name: Insurance $ Birth Date: Month: Day: Year: Relationship:

Birthplace City/State: Name: Insurance $ Birth Date: Month: Day: Year: Relationship:

Birthplace City/State:

Name: Insurance $ Birth Date: Month: Day: Year: Relationship:

Birthplace City/State:

Name: Insurance $ Birth Date: Month: Day: Year: Relationship:

Birthplace City/State:

Other Immediate Family:

Parent: Relationship Telephone: City/State:

Parent: Relationship Telephone: City/State:

Sibling: Relationship Telephone: City/State:

Sibling: Relationship Telephone: City/State:

Name: Relationship Telephone: City/State:

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2017

WHat to do about social security

WHat to do about VeteraN’s beNefits

Contact the nearest Social Security office

Located at: City State

You will need the following documents when you contact your Social Security office:

* Your Marriage certificate* Your Children’s birth certificates* Social Security number of deceased* If wife survives, and if 62 or older, her birth certificate or other proof of her age* Total wages paid on W-2 form or Schedule C for preceding year* Death Certificate

Social Security pays a lump sum death benefit (amount is determined by earnings in the past several years).Ordinarily about 3 months is required for the survivor to start obtaining monthly Social Security benefits. Ask your life insurance agent for help in coordinating Social Security benefits, insurance and any Verteran’s benefits.

Contact the nearest Veterans’ Administration office

Located at: City State

You will need the following documents when you contact your Veterans’ Administration office:

* Copy of death certificate* Military discharge papers* Proof of widowhood - proof of marriage can be established by any one of the following in order of preference: * A properly certified copy of the public or church marriage * Affidavit of clergyman or magistrate who performed the ceremony * Original marriage certificate * Affidavits of at least two eyewitnesses to the ceremony

* Proof of Termination of Marriage - The termination of all marriages contracted by either of us should be substantiated by certified copies of the final decrees of divorce or annulment, or by proof of death. * Proof of age and relationship of children - To establish the birth of each child, supply a birth certificate or a properly certified copy of the church record of birth or baptism showing the date and names of the parents.

Every Veteran is generally entitled to the following:

* Burial payment of $250.00* Burial Flag* Headstone or grave marker

When you apply to your Veterans’ Administration office, also ask about any additional benefits to which you may be entitled.

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2017

WHat to do about iNsuraNce

I (we) have purchased the following insurance policies for the reasons set forth:

Company: Policy No. Kind of Insurance: Amt. $

Company: Policy No. Kind of Insurance: Amt. $

Company: Policy No. Kind of Insurance: Amt. $

Company: Policy No. Kind of Insurance: Amt. $

Company: Policy No. Kind of Insurance: Amt. $

The policies for this insurance are located: (Do not keep in bank box)

With the exception of Policy Numbers: which should be kept with this portfolio.

IMPORTANT - You will need a certified copy of the Death Certificate for each insurance company. To help you in arranging for settlement of insurance, call our insurance agent,

or Ins. Co. (agent name) (company name)

The phone number is:

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Notes/coMMeNts

-23-

2017

Important: Do not keep this booklet in a safe deposit box. Keep it in asecure place where it is immediately accessible at the time of death.

It is generally agreed that everyone, whether his net worth is large or small, should have a will. Upon your death, every asset you own is in your estate. Without a will, probate and administration costs can dwindle away the property and monies you rightfully planned for your heirs. Consult an attorney and ask him/her to explain today’s laws and the advantages of both making a will and keeping your will up to date.

Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, Inc. * 1346 North Market Blvd. * Sacramento, CA 95834P O Box 348390 * Sacramento, CA 95834-8390

(916) 928-0061 * (800) 800-2763 * Fax (916) 928-4796cpof.org