Storing important documents

There are a few different things you should consider when storing legal documents.

Wills, powers of attorney, medical care directives, certificates, funeral arrangements, deeds to your house and property, military documents, citizenship papers, passports, SIN cards and insurance policies are all examples.

These not only need to be kept safe, but also accessible to someone you trust. You may be in an emergency situation where you cannot get to this information, but need it. The best you can do is find a trusted family member or friend you can rely on should an emergency arise.

There are a couple of different options to safe storage of documents and personal valuables. A popular suggestion might be a safe deposit box. Safe deposit boxes range in price from $35 to $50 a year. Larger boxes are available for a greater cost. Seniors often get a discount.

The attraction of the safe deposit box is that only the signatory or leaseholder has access to this box. This can, however, be a disadvantage if you are the leaseholder and unable to access information you might need.

You can decide, however, on anyone else you wish to have access to the box and its contents. You can even arrange that more than one person is present to sign access to your box. Talk to your bank about the best option for you.

You should keep the key to your safe deposit box in a safe place separate from your home and car keys. Make a list of the items you are keeping in your safe deposit box and file it away or give it to trusted friend or family member.

Remember, it is not only important that you completely trust those who would access your safe deposit box, but that they can easily access necessary papers in emergency situations.

Home safes are another option for your documents and valuables. These are made fire resistant, theft resistant, they come with keys, or combinations, and should be bolted and difficult to move.

Keys are best if you are prone to forget a combination. Plan ahead and share only the necessary information someone you trust. You need not advertise that you have a safe in your house and remember, it is always safest to keep your money in the bank.

Talk to your lawyer for more details about your will and medical directives.

(Dawn Thomas is a seniors’ safety coordinator with the Digby RCMP.)