Article Structure
When it comes to ensuring that your loved ones are well-informed during challenging times, the Family Needs Know form serves as an invaluable tool. This document is designed to compile essential information that your family may require in the event of your incapacitation. By organizing details about your personal history, legal documents, medical information, and even your final wishes, the form helps alleviate the burden on family members who may otherwise struggle to piece together critical information. You can find this resource on the Career Transition Center’s section of the Foreign Service Institute's website, making it easily accessible when you need it most. The form covers a wide range of topics, from your marital and family history to the locations of important documents, such as insurance policies and financial records. Additionally, it includes a quick guide to the locations of these vital items, ensuring that your family can act swiftly and efficiently. Ultimately, the Family Needs Know form not only empowers you to take control of your affairs but also offers peace of mind for those you care about.
Form Sample
1
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: _______________
2
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: _______________
3
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: _______________
4
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: _______________
9
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: _______________
Document Specifications
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The Family Needs Know form is designed to compile essential information that your family may require in the event of your incapacitation. |
| Customization | This document can be tailored to reflect your unique family circumstances, ensuring that it meets your specific needs. |
| Location | You can access the form on the Career Transition Center’s section of the Foreign Service Institute website at: CTC Resources. |
| Contents Overview | The form includes various sections, such as personal information, legal documents, insurance policies, and final wishes, all of which are critical for family planning. |
| Emergency Notification | It contains a section dedicated to emergency contacts and notification procedures, ensuring that your family knows whom to reach out to in a crisis. |
| Legal Compliance | While this form is not a legal document, it is advisable to consult state-specific laws regarding estate planning and health care directives to ensure compliance. |
| Updates | The form should be regularly updated to reflect any changes in your personal circumstances or family dynamics. |
| Accessibility | Having this document readily available can provide peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will have access to important information when they need it most. |
Steps to Filling Out Family Needs Know
Completing the Family Needs Know form is an important step in ensuring that your family has access to vital information in case of an emergency. This document helps organize personal, medical, legal, and financial details that may be necessary for your loved ones. Below are the steps to help you fill out the form accurately.
- Visit the Career Transition Center’s section on the FSI website at this link to download the Family Needs Know form.
- Start with the DATE UPDATED section at the top of the form. Fill in the current date.
- Proceed to the QUICK GUIDE TO LOCATIONS section. List important documents and their locations. You may copy and paste more entries if necessary.
- Fill in your PERSONAL INFORMATION in the designated area. Include your full name, maiden name, social security number, date and place of birth, and current home address.
- Provide information about your marital status and the total number of biological, adopted, and stepchildren.
- Complete the section for EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION with relevant contacts and their information.
- Move on to the BUSINESS & LEGAL section. Document your legal documents, insurance policies, employment details, and financial information.
- Fill out the MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION section, including details about pets and memberships.
- Finally, address the FINAL WISHES section, noting any funeral arrangements and notifications in case of death.
- Review the entire form for accuracy and completeness before saving or printing it for your records.
More About Family Needs Know
What is the purpose of the Family Needs Know form?
The Family Needs Know form is designed to provide essential information that your family may need in the event of your incapacitation. It serves as a comprehensive guide that covers personal, financial, legal, and medical details. This document helps ensure that your loved ones have access to the necessary information without having to search for it during a stressful time. It is an important task that can easily be postponed, but this form encourages you to complete it promptly.
How can I access the Family Needs Know form?
You can find the Family Needs Know form on the Career Transition Center's section of the Foreign Service Institute's website. It is located under CTC Resources. For easy access, visit the following link: Career Transition Center Resources. Make sure to check for any updates that may have been made to the form since its last revision.
What kind of information should I include in the form?
The form includes various sections where you can provide information about your personal details, marital history, family history, medical information, legal documents, insurance policies, financial information, and more. Each section prompts you to fill in relevant details, ensuring that your family has a complete picture of your situation. It’s advisable to be thorough and honest when filling out this form to avoid any confusion later on.
Can I modify the Family Needs Know form to fit my specific circumstances?
Yes, you are encouraged to modify the Family Needs Know form to suit your unique situation. The form is a flexible tool meant to accommodate your specific needs and preferences. Feel free to add or remove sections as necessary to ensure that it accurately reflects your family dynamics and important information. This customization helps ensure that your family receives the most relevant and useful information possible.
Common mistakes
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Neglecting to Update Information: One common mistake is failing to regularly update the form. Life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child, can alter important details. Keeping the form current ensures that your family has the most accurate information when they need it.
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Inadequate Documentation: Some individuals do not include all necessary legal documents. This can lead to confusion during emergencies. Make sure to list items like wills, powers of attorney, and insurance policies clearly.
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Omitting Emergency Contacts: Another frequent oversight is leaving out emergency contacts. It’s essential to provide names and phone numbers of individuals who can be reached in case of an emergency. This helps your family quickly connect with the right people.
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Overlooking Location Details: Failing to specify the locations of important documents can create unnecessary stress. Clearly indicate where items like your birth certificate, insurance policies, and legal papers are stored. This makes it easier for your family to find them when needed.
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Not Including Personal Preferences: Some people forget to mention their personal wishes, such as funeral arrangements or medical preferences. Including this information can provide your family with guidance during difficult times, ensuring that your wishes are respected.
Documents used along the form
The Family Needs Know form is a vital tool for organizing important information your family may need in case of an emergency. Along with this form, several other documents can help ensure that your loved ones have access to all necessary details. Below is a list of related forms and documents that can complement the Family Needs Know form.
- Power of Attorney: This document allows you to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It can cover financial and medical matters.
- Living Will: A living will outlines your preferences for medical treatment in situations where you cannot communicate your wishes. It guides healthcare providers and family members in critical moments.
- Last Will and Testament: This legal document specifies how your assets will be distributed after your death. It can also name guardians for minor children.
- Health Care Proxy: Similar to a power of attorney, this document appoints someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
- Emergency Contact List: This simple list includes names and phone numbers of people to contact in case of an emergency. It can be vital for first responders.
- Insurance Policies: Keep copies of all insurance policies, including health, life, and property insurance. This ensures your family knows what coverage is available.
- Financial Information: Document your bank account details, debts, and other financial obligations. This information helps your family manage your finances during difficult times.
- Medical Records: Maintain a summary of your medical history, including medications, allergies, and past surgeries. This information is crucial for healthcare providers.
- Funeral Arrangements: Outline your preferences for funeral services, burial, or cremation. This relieves your family from making difficult decisions during their time of grief.
Having these documents organized and accessible will provide peace of mind for both you and your family. It ensures that everyone knows where to find essential information when it matters most.
Similar forms
The Family Needs Know form shares similarities with a Health Care Proxy. A Health Care Proxy allows individuals to appoint someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. Like the Family Needs Know form, it emphasizes the importance of clear communication regarding personal preferences and essential information. Both documents aim to provide peace of mind by ensuring that loved ones are informed about one’s wishes during critical times.
Another related document is the Durable Power of Attorney. This document grants someone the authority to make financial and legal decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Similar to the Family Needs Know form, it is designed to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Both documents help ensure that your affairs are managed according to your wishes, reducing stress for your family during difficult times.
The Living Will is also comparable. This document outlines your preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care. Like the Family Needs Know form, it serves as a guide for family members and healthcare providers. Both documents focus on your wishes and provide clarity, helping loved ones make decisions that align with your values and desires.
Additionally, the Last Will and Testament is a similar document. This legal document specifies how your assets and affairs should be handled after your death. The Family Needs Know form complements this by providing vital information about your personal and financial circumstances, ensuring that your family understands your wishes and can carry them out effectively.
The Emergency Contact List is another document that bears resemblance to the Family Needs Know form. It provides essential information about who to contact in case of an emergency. Like the Family Needs Know form, it emphasizes the importance of communication and preparedness, ensuring that your family knows whom to reach out to during critical situations.
Lastly, a Personal Property Inventory can be compared to the Family Needs Know form. This document lists your belongings and their locations, making it easier for family members to manage your estate after your passing. Both documents aim to simplify the process for your loved ones, ensuring that they have access to necessary information and can make informed decisions without unnecessary confusion.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Family Needs Know form, it's essential to approach the task thoughtfully. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn't do to ensure the form is completed accurately and effectively.
- Do take your time to gather all necessary documents before starting.
- Do be honest and thorough when providing personal information.
- Do update the form regularly, especially after significant life changes.
- Do include contact information for trusted family members or friends.
- Do ensure that your emergency contacts are aware of this document.
- Don't skip any sections, even if they seem less important.
- Don't forget to save a copy of the completed form in a secure location.
By following these guidelines, you can create a comprehensive resource that will be invaluable for your family in times of need.
Misconceptions
Understanding the Family Needs Know form is crucial for ensuring that your loved ones have the necessary information in case of an emergency. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion about its purpose and use. Here are ten common misunderstandings:
- The form is only for older individuals. Many people believe that only seniors need to fill out this form. In reality, anyone can become incapacitated at any age, making this document relevant for all adults.
- It's a legal document. Some think the Family Needs Know form serves as a legal document like a will or power of attorney. While it contains important information, it is primarily a guide for your family, not a legal instrument.
- Filling it out is a one-time task. Many assume that once they complete the form, it doesn’t need to be updated. In fact, life changes—such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child—should prompt you to revise the information regularly.
- It's only about financial information. Some individuals focus solely on financial details, overlooking personal and medical information. The form covers various aspects of your life, including personal history, medical records, and emergency contacts.
- My family already knows everything. It's a common belief that family members are aware of all necessary information. However, this is often not the case. The form ensures that all critical details are documented in one place.
- It's too complicated to complete. Many feel overwhelmed by the thought of filling out the form. However, it is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to customize it based on your specific circumstances.
- Only one person needs to fill it out. Some think that only the primary caregiver or head of the household should complete the form. In reality, each adult in the family should have their own version to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- It’s unnecessary if I have a will. While a will is essential for outlining how your assets should be distributed, the Family Needs Know form serves a different purpose. It provides immediate information that your family may need in case of an emergency.
- It’s not important for younger families. Young families often overlook the necessity of this form. Yet, having a clear outline of family needs and emergency contacts is vital for families of all ages.
- Once it’s done, I can forget about it. Many believe that after completing the form, it can be set aside indefinitely. Regular reviews and updates are essential to ensure that the information remains accurate and relevant.
By addressing these misconceptions, individuals can better understand the importance of the Family Needs Know form and its role in safeguarding their family's well-being.
Key takeaways
Filling out the Family Needs Know form is essential for ensuring that your loved ones have access to crucial information in case of an emergency. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Customize the Form: Tailor the content to reflect your family's unique circumstances and needs.
- Comprehensive Information: Include vital details such as personal, medical, legal, and financial information to provide a complete picture.
- Accessibility: Make sure the form is easily accessible to family members. Consider storing it in a safe yet reachable location.
- Regular Updates: Regularly review and update the form to ensure all information remains current and accurate.
- Encourage Family Discussion: Engage your family in conversations about the form to ensure everyone understands its importance and contents.
By following these takeaways, you can help ensure that your family is prepared and informed, no matter the circumstances.