Article Structure
The Family Needs Know form serves as a comprehensive guide that helps individuals organize critical information necessary for their family members in the event of their incapacitation. This document addresses various aspects of personal life, ranging from important contacts to health and legal matters. It includes sections on personal details, marital history, and medical information, which illuminate the individual's background and current status. Furthermore, it covers essential business and legal documents, such as insurance policies and financial records, ensuring that family members have access to vital resources. The form also encompasses miscellaneous information, including details about pets, memberships, and final wishes, allowing individuals to convey their preferences regarding funeral arrangements and notifications in case of death. By consolidating this information into one accessible place, the Family Needs Know form alleviates the burden of decision-making during challenging times, prompting individuals to complete a task often postponed for later. It is available through the Career Transition Center's website, promoting proactive planning and ensuring that families remain informed and prepared.
Family Needs Know Example
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Career Transition Center
George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center
U.S. Department of State
What My Family
Needs To Know
This list contains important information in that you can modify based on our specific circumstance. See the next page for contents. The document is meant to contain all the information your family needs to know should you
become incapacitated. It is a way for you to complete this task that needs to be done, but almost always gets deferred to “later.” The document can be found on the Career Transition Center’s portion of FSI’s website, under
CTC Resources at:
http://fsi.state.gov/fsi/tc/default.asp?Sec=Career%20Transition%20Center&
Cat=CTC%20Resources
DATE UPDATED: _______________
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CONTENTS
QUICK GUIDE TO LOCATIONS ………………………………………………………3
PERSONAL & FAMILY
MY PERSONAL INFORMATION……………………………………………………………...4
MY MARITAL HISTORY………………………………………………………………………..6
MY SPOUSE ……………………………………………………………………………………8
MY FAMILY HISTORY ……………………………………………………………………….13
MY MEDICAL INFORMATION ………………………………………………………………16
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION ……………………………………………………………..19
BUSINESS & LEGAL
MY LEGAL DOCUMENTS …………………………………………………………………...20
MY INSURANCE POLICIES………………………………………………………………….24
MY EMPLOYMENT …………………………………………………………………………..27
MY FINANCIAL INFORMATION …………………………………………………………….30
MY REAL ESTATE ……………………………………………………………………………34
MY UTILITIES …………………………………………………………………………………35
MY VEHICLES ………………………………………………………………………………...37
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
MY PETS ………………………………………………………………………………………38
MY MEMBERSHIPS & CHARITIES ………………………………………………………...39
FINAL WISHES
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ………………………………………………………………40
NOTIFICATION IN CASE OF DEATH ……………………………………………………...43
BIBLIOGRAPHY & RESOURCES……………………………………………………46
DATE UPDATED: _______________
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QUICK GUIDE TO LOCATION OF MY IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
(Copy and paste more, if necessary.)
DOCUMENT / ITEM |
LOCATION |
Address book – personal |
|
Address book – professional |
|
Adoption or legal guardianship papers |
|
Bank account information – check books, statements, |
|
debit cards, ATM cards, etc. |
|
Birth Certificate |
|
Credit cards – cards, statements, etc. |
|
Debts owed to me |
|
Deed |
|
Disability records & insurance |
|
Disposition of remains – prepaid burial plots, donor |
|
arrangements, etc. |
|
Divorce papers |
|
Employment – earnings & leave statements, contracts, |
|
etc. |
|
Family tree & other information |
|
Household effects inventory |
|
Income tax records |
|
Information on my inheritances |
|
Insurance policy – health |
|
Insurance policy – life |
|
Insurance policy – long term care |
|
Insurance policy – professional |
|
Insurance policy – property (mortgage, homeowners, |
|
etc.) |
|
Insurance policy – vehicle |
|
Investment records – stocks, bonds, 401K, IRA, etc. |
|
Key – safety deposit box |
|
Keys – home |
|
Keys – other properties |
|
Keys – vehicles |
|
Keys or combination - P.O. Box |
|
Lease |
|
Marriage certificate |
|
Military service records |
|
Miscellaneous debts I owe |
|
Naturalization papers |
|
Passport |
|
Pet records – vaccination, medical, AKC registration,etc. |
|
Power of attorney |
|
Social Security card |
|
Vaccination records |
|
Vehicle records – loan, title, registration, etc. |
|
Will, living will, etc. |
|
DATE UPDATED: _______________
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MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
FULL NAME:
MAIDEN NAME:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PLACE OF BIRTH (include name of hospital, city, county, state, country):
CURRENT HOME ADDRESS:
LOCATION OF HOUSE KEYS:
CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS:
LOCATION OF POST OFFICE BOX KEYS OR COMBINATION:
CURRENT STATE OF LEGAL RESIDENCE (state in which I vote):
DRIVER’S LICENSE STATE & NUMBER:
HOME TELEPHONE:
CELLULAR TELEPHONE:
HOME FAX NUMBER:
PERSONAL
PERSONAL WEBSITE ADDRESS:
MARITAL STATUS:
DATE UPDATED: _______________
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TOTAL NUMBER OF BIOLOGICAL, ADOPTED, & STEPCHILDREN:
LOCATION OF MY PERSONAL ADDRESS BOOK:
LOCATION OF MY PROFESSIONAL ADDRESS BOOK:
LOCATION OF INFORMATION REGARDING FAMILY TREE & HISTORY:
DATE UPDATED: _______________
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MY MARITAL HISTORY
MY CURRENT MARRIAGE
NAME OF SPOUSE:
DATE & PLACE OF MARRIAGE:
LOCATION OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE:
SPOUSE’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
SPOUSE’S DATE OF BIRTH:
SPOUSE’S PLACE OF BIRTH:
SPOUSE’S HOME ADDRESS:
SPOUSE’S HOME TELEPHONE:
SPOUSE’S
SPOUSE’S PERSONAL WEBSITE ADDRESS:
SPOUSE’S EMPLOYER:
ADDRESS OF SPOUSE’S EMPLOYER:
SPOUSE’S WORK TELEPHONE:
SPOUSE’S
NAME & TELEPHONE OF SPOUSE’S SUPERVISOR:
DATE UPDATED: _______________
7
MY PREVIOUS MARRIAGES
(Copy and paste more, if necessary.)
NAME OF FORMER SPOUSE:
DATE & PLACE OF MARRIAGE:
DATE & PLACE OF DIVORCE:
LOCATION OF DIVORCE PAPERS:
FORMER SPOUSE’S CURRENT HOME ADDRESS:
FORMER SPOUSE’S CURRENT HOME TELEPHONE:
FORMER SPOUSE’S CURRENT WORK TELEPHONE:
FORMER SPOUSE’S CURRENT
DATE UPDATED: _______________
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MY SPOUSE
NAME OF SPOUSE:
DATE & PLACE OF MARRIAGE:
LOCATION OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE:
SPOUSE’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
SPOUSE’S DATE OF BIRTH:
SPOUSE’S PLACE OF BIRTH:
SPOUSE’S HOME ADDRESS:
SPOUSE’S HOME TELEPHONE:
SPOUSE’S
SPOUSE’S PERSONAL WEBSITE ADDRESS:
SPOUSE’S EMPLOYER:
SPOUSE’S WORK TELEPHONE:
SPOUSE’S WORK
ADDRESS OF SPOUSE’S EMPLOYER:
NAME & TELEPHONE OF SPOUSE’S SUPERVISOR:
DATE UPDATED: _______________
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SPOUSE’S MARITAL HISTORY
(Copy and paste more, if necessary.)
NAME OF FORMER SPOUSE:
DATE & PLACE OF PREVIOUS MARRIAGE:
DATE & PLACE OF DIVORCE:
HOME ADDRESS OF FORMER SPOUSE:
HOME TELEPHONE OF FORMER SPOUSE:
WORK TELEPHONE OF FORMER SPOUSE:
SPOUSE’S CHILDREN WITH ME
(Copy and paste more, if necessary.)
NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PLACE OF BIRTH:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
SPOUSE’S CHILDREN BY PREVIOUS MARRIAGE (Copy and paste more, if necessary.)
NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
DATE UPDATED: _______________
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PLACE OF BIRTH:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
SPOUSE’S PARENTS
FATHER’S NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PLACE OF BIRTH:
DATE OF DEATH:
PLACE OF BURIAL:
CAUSE OF DEATH:
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
ADDRESS:
HOME TELEPHONE:
WORK TELEPHONE:
CELLULAR TELEPHONE:
MOTHER’S NAME:
MOTHER’S MAIDEN NAME:
DATE OF BIRTH:
DATE UPDATED: _______________
Form Characteristics
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The Family Needs Know form serves to collect and organize essential information for family members in case of incapacitation. |
| Customization | Users can modify the form based on their specific circumstances, ensuring it meets their unique family needs. |
| Access | The form is available on the Career Transition Center's section of the Foreign Service Institute's website. |
| Legal Compliance | This document complies with federal guidelines, as it aims to prepare families for unforeseen circumstances regarding individual incapacity. |
Guidelines on Utilizing Family Needs Know
Filling out the Family Needs Know form is an important step in ensuring your loved ones have access to critical information when they need it. This form will help gather significant details about your personal and family circumstances, as well as important legal and financial documents. Here are the steps to complete the form effectively.
- Access the form: Download or print the Family Needs Know form from the Career Transition Center’s website.
- Update the date: Fill in the date at the top of the document to indicate when you completed the form.
- Fill in personal information: Start with your full name, maiden name, social security number, date and place of birth, and current address.
- Complete contact details: Include your home and cell phone numbers, fax number, email addresses, and any personal website.
- Document marital status: Indicate your current marital status and record the number of biological, adopted, and stepchildren.
- Gather important documents: As you fill out the sections, collect necessary documents like legal papers, insurance policies, and bank information.
- Describe locations: Clearly outline where your personal and professional address books are kept. Also, note where to find important documents, keys, and records.
- Review your information: Double-check all entered details for accuracy to ensure your family can easily locate the information if needed.
- Final touches: Save the form securely, and consider sharing it with trusted family members or storing it in a safe location.
Once completed, this form serves as a vital resource for your family. It organizes essential information, allowing for easier navigation during challenging times. Take the time to fill it out thoughtfully.
What You Should Know About This Form
What is the Family Needs Know form?
The Family Needs Know form is a helpful document that centralizes important information your family may need in case of an emergency or incapacity. It covers areas like personal and family information, legal documents, medical details, and final wishes. You can customize the form to fit your unique circumstances, ensuring your loved ones have the information they need when it matters most.
How can my family access the Family Needs Know form?
Your family can access the form by visiting the Career Transition Center's section of the Foreign Service Institute’s website. Simply go to this link, and look for the Family Needs Know form under CTC Resources. It's important that your family knows how to find this document ahead of time.
What kind of information should I include in the form?
The form includes various sections where you can add important details about your personal information, marital history, medical information, legal documents, and even your pets. For example, you may want to document your banking details, insurance policies, and emergency contacts. You can personalize it by adding any other information that is vital for your family to know.
How often should I update the Family Needs Know form?
Why is the Family Needs Know form important?
This form is crucial because it provides a clear and organized way for your family to access vital information during a challenging time. With many details at their fingertips, they can make decisions more easily and take care of necessary tasks without added stress or confusion.
Can I add more items to the form?
Yes, you can customize the Family Needs Know form as needed. If there are additional documents or information that play a key role in your life, feel free to add them to the form. This ensures it will be truly comprehensive and serve your family best.
What happens if I forget to complete the form?
If the form is left incomplete, your family may struggle with organizing necessary information in a crisis. It's easy to push such tasks to “later,” but by addressing it now, you save your loved ones from unnecessary challenges during difficult times. Completing the form is a proactive step you can take for your family's well-being.
Is there a way to get help if I have questions about the form?
If you have any questions while filling out the Family Needs Know form, you can reach out to the Career Transition Center for assistance. They can provide guidance and clarify any doubts you may have regarding the form's content or structure.
Common mistakes
Completing the Family Needs Know form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can lead to confusion later. One frequent error is the lack of updates. Individuals often fill out the form once and forget to make essential changes over time. Life circumstances change, and it is crucial to reflect those changes in this document.
Another mistake is failing to provide complete information. People sometimes skip sections, thinking that certain details are unimportant. Every piece of information, from personal identification numbers to insurance policy details, plays a critical role in ensuring that loved ones can access necessary resources when needed.
Many also neglect to specify locations for important documents. This oversight can create significant difficulties during emergencies. Clearly indicating where documents like wills, insurance policies, and medical information are stored can save valuable time in a crisis.
Inadequate communication with family members is another pitfall. Some people complete the form without sharing it or its content with family members. It is vital that everyone is aware of the information in the document. This transparency can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that family members know where to find the necessary resources.
People sometimes forget to indicate who should be contacted in case of an emergency. This section is crucial for providing clarity about who should step in during a crisis. Including clear contact information for designated individuals can facilitate faster decision-making and support.
Another error relates to incomplete medical information. Some individuals may choose to leave out critical health details, believing that it doesn’t matter. However, having a comprehensive health history can greatly assist family members and medical professionals in emergency situations.
Many make the mistake of relying solely on electronic storage without hard copies. While having digital access is helpful, it should not replace the need for physical documents. In times of crisis, technology may fail or become inaccessible. Storing printed copies ensures that information is available when needed it most.
Finally, overlooking the emotional aspect of the document can also be a mistake. The Family Needs Know form is not just about logistics; it should reflect personal values and final wishes. Including such sentiments ensures that loved ones understand the individual’s intentions, creating an opportunity for peace during difficult times.
Documents used along the form
The Family Needs Know form serves as an essential resource for families, providing crucial information in the event of an incapacitating situation. In conjunction with this form, several other documents often play a key role in planning and organizing personal affairs. Each of these supporting documents can help ensure that family members are fully informed and prepared for any circumstance that may arise.
- Power of Attorney: This document allows an individual to designate someone to make decisions on their behalf, particularly when they cannot do so themselves. It can cover financial matters, healthcare choices, and legal issues.
- Will: A will outlines how an individual's assets and belongings should be distributed upon their death. It is crucial for ensuring that personal wishes are honored and for reducing potential disputes among heirs.
- Living Will: Also known as an advance directive, this document specifies a person's wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care, providing guidance to family members and healthcare providers.
- Medical Information Form: This form contains vital health information, including medical history, current medications, allergies, and emergency contacts, ensuring that family members can advocate for their loved ones during medical emergencies.
- Insurance Policies Summary: A summary of life, health, and property insurance policies clarifies coverage details and beneficiaries, aiding family members in navigating claims and ensuring financial support when needed.
- Financial Records: Documenting accounts, debts, and other financial information helps family members manage assets and liabilities responsibly, especially during a transition or crisis.
- Funeral Arrangements: This document outlines preferences for funeral services, burial or cremation, and related expenses, allowing families to make decisions that reflect their loved one's wishes during a difficult time.
- Pets Information Sheet: This sheet includes details about pets, such as care instructions and veterinary contacts, ensuring that furry family members are well taken care of, even in challenging circumstances.
- Emergency Notification List: A list of contacts who should be notified in case of an emergency provides clarity and quick access to support networks for family members during crises.
By incorporating these documents alongside the Family Needs Know form, families can create a comprehensive plan that addresses various aspects of their lives. This proactive approach not only eases burdens during challenging times but also promotes a sense of security and preparedness for all family members.
Similar forms
- Power of Attorney: Like the Family Needs Know form, a Power of Attorney document allows individuals to designate someone to make decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. It ensures that specific wishes regarding health care and finances are followed.
- Living Will: This document details a person's preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where they cannot communicate their wishes. It aligns closely with the Family Needs Know form's goal of providing essential information for family members during a crisis.
- Last Will and Testament: Similar to the Family Needs Know form, this document outlines how a person's assets should be distributed after their death. Both documents emphasize the importance of clear communication with family regarding significant life events.
- Health Care Proxy: This document appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Like the Family Needs Know form, it is an important tool for ensuring that your health care preferences are honored when you cannot advocate for yourself.
- Emergency Contact List: This list specifies who should be contacted in case of an emergency. The Family Needs Know form similarly provides vital information that assists family members during difficult times, keeping them informed about critical aspects of your life.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Family Needs Know form, understanding the best practices will help ensure that your family has the necessary information during difficult times. Here are eight key dos and don'ts to keep in mind:
- Do provide complete and accurate personal information. This ensures your family knows how to reach you or find important documents.
- Do organize your documents neatly. Proper organization will help your family easily locate what they need.
- Do update the form regularly. Changes in your life, such as marriage or the birth of a child, should be reflected promptly.
- Do share the form with trusted family members. Discussing the contents promotes transparency and preparedness.
- Don't leave sections incomplete. Filling out all relevant areas prevents confusion later on.
- Don't overcomplicate the form with unnecessary details. Keep information clear and straightforward.
- Don't forget to include emergency contacts. Having reliable contacts readily available can be crucial in urgent situations.
- Don't hide the completed form. Ensure your family knows where to find it, so they can access it when needed.
Misconceptions
Misconceptions often arise regarding the Family Needs Know form. Understanding these misconceptions can help families prepare effectively for unexpected situations.
- This form is only for emergencies. Many believe this form is only necessary during emergencies, but it serves as a comprehensive resource for everyday planning.
- It's too complicated to fill out. The form is designed to be straightforward and can be completed over time, allowing you to provide essential information at your own pace.
- Only one family member needs to fill it out. In reality, it benefits all family members to participate, ensuring shared understanding and access to vital information.
- It covers only legal documents. While legal documents are included, the form also addresses personal, medical, and financial information, making it a holistic resource.
- I can wait until I’m older to complete it. Age is not a determinant. Life's unpredictability means it's wise to prepare regardless of your current situation.
- Once completed, it doesn’t need updates. The information should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially after life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
- It's only relevant for individuals with complex financial situations. Every family can benefit from this form, regardless of financial complexity. Having essential information in one place is valuable for anyone.
- Privacy concerns make it too risky to complete. While privacy is important, the form can be stored securely and only accessed by trusted family members.
- This form is just a suggestion. Far from a mere suggestion, this form is a crucial step in making sure your loved ones can manage your affairs easily if the need arises.
By addressing these misconceptions, families can appreciate the true purpose of the Family Needs Know form and the peace of mind it can provide.
Key takeaways
When considering the Family Needs Know form, it's essential to understand its purpose and how to effectively complete it. Here are some key takeaways to guide you:
- Purpose of the Document: This form is designed to compile important personal and family information that may be crucial in case of incapacitation.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The form covers various topics including personal information, family history, legal documents, financial details, and even final wishes.
- Easy Access: You can conveniently find the form on the Career Transition Center's section of the FSI website, ensuring that it is accessible whenever needed.
- Customization: Feel free to modify the list of information based on your family's unique needs and circumstances.
- Encouragement to Act: This document serves as a reminder to tackle an important task that is often postponed; it encourages proactive engagement with family planning.
Having this form completed can greatly assist your family in times of uncertainty.
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