5. Property Papers

Many NRIs have come home to find that properties they bought were encroached upon. Properties that seem abandoned or not regularly visited upon can fall prey to land sharks with bureaucratic or even underworld support. If your children are quite young and unable to periodically check the properties owned, give instructions to a relative or your lawyer to appoint a property management agency upon your death.

Ensure all papers and titles are in order. If an uncle or cousin of the person who sold you the land claims ownership using convoluted paperwork just to harass the family of the deceased, your family is not at a loss.

6. Bank Account Details

Payments might have to be made for funeral, medical or other expenses. Access to your bank account at this trying time is crucial. Ensure that PIN codes for your ATM and credit cards are available. Arrange to have information of all bank accounts properly filed, including nomination details. If online banking was activated, ensure username and passwords are made available confidentially.