Draw up a power of attorney to leave with a lawyer, relative, or friend so that you have someone who can act legally on your behalf while you are abroad.
Update the will of each adult member of your family. Place the originals in a safe place and keep a copy in your possession. Draw up a "letter of instruction" to be followed in the event of death, including preferred funeral arrangements and contact information for people to be notified. This is not a legal document and doesn't substitute for a will. A Personal Affairs Record Book (PDF) can help you gather the information that might be needed by your executor or personal representative. Update the beneficiaries on insurance policies, retirement accounts, final salary, and so on.
Consider setting up a revocable living trust and placing your real estate assets in it, especially if you own property in more than one state.
Look into creating a medical directive. This includes a health care power of attorney, which designates someone to make medical decisions for you, and a living will, which lists your treatment preferences in case of terminal illness or permanent unconciousness. State Department employees can get a free copy of "Five Wishes" for this purpose. Others may want check online resources such as www.caringinfo.org, which offers forms for every state, or www.putitinwriting.org. External links are provided for informational purposes only and do not indicate an endorsement by the U.S. Government, which does not take responsibility for the content or privacy practics of the sites.
Scan and save important papers, such as past tax returns. Store a copy in a safe place with someone in the U.S. You might also want to scan or photocopy scrapbooks and irreplaceable photos, leaving the originals and negatives with someone in the U.S.
Investigate renting a safe deposit box to store important records (NOT wills) and decide whether someone else should have access to it.
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