Organize Important Records and Papers
Review and Organize Important Records and Papers Before You Move Abroad
When we plan a move abroad we often do not consider what could happen to us in a new country. To prepare for the unexpected, a key part of planning your move abroad should include a review of those records and papers that you consider very important. We recommend that you consider taking action on the following five things:
- Drawing up a power of attorney to leave with a lawyer, relative or friend so they can act legally on your behalf while you are living abroad
- Updating the will of each adult member of your family
- Setting up a revocable living trust and placing your assets in it, if you maintain real estate assets in the U.S.
- Creating a medical directive that includes a healthcare power of attorney. This document designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable and a living will, which lists your treatment preferences in case of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness
- Scanning important papers such as past tax returns on a portable storage device and provide a copy to someone in the U.S.
Also, do not forget about all those little things that need to be taken care of before you move. Here is a list of some of the more important things that need to be checked off:
Make address change notifications
- Schools
- Registry of Motor Vehicles
- Voter Registration
- Financial institutions
- Credit cards
- Social Security
- City, State, Federal Tax Offices
- Home, Health, Vehicle, Life Insurance
- Magazine subscriptions
In addition to these address change notifications, you should also:
- Schedule appointments with your personal physician, dentist and optometrist for all members of your family
- Get duplicate prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses for family members using them
- Schedule final account readings for gas, water, electricity, telephone and cable/satellite television
- Cancel all rental agreements
- Close accounts with any regular delivery to your home
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