When someone dies or becomes seriously ill, the people closest to them suddenly have to find dozens of documents, often while grieving and under time pressure. Where is the will? Was there life insurance? Which bank? What is the phone passcode? What would they have wanted?
Putting together a "just in case" folder, sometimes called a legacy binder or an "in case of emergency" file, is one of the kindest things you can do for your family. It takes an afternoon or two, and it does not require a lawyer to start. This checklist walks through what to include, how to store it, and how to keep it up to date.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules vary by state and country, so check with a qualified professional for anything with legal weight.
Step 1: The legal essentials
These are the documents your family will need first. If you do not have them yet, the list tells you what to create.
- Will (and any codicils, which are later amendments). Note where the signed original is kept, because many courts want the original rather than a copy.
- Trust documents, if you have a living trust.
- Durable power of attorney for finances, naming who can handle money matters if you cannot.
- Advance directive or living will, explaining the medical treatment you would or would not want.
- Health care proxy (also called a health care power of attorney), naming who can make medical decisions for you.
- POLST or MOLST form, if your doctor has completed one. These are medical orders for people with serious illness.
- Guardianship wishes for minor children or dependents.
- Funeral and burial or cremation wishes, including any prepaid plans and contracts.
Step 2: Identity and personal records
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card or number (or national ID for other countries)
- Passport and driver's license copies
- Marriage certificate, divorce decrees and prenuptial agreements
- Military discharge papers (in the US, the DD-214 can matter for burial and survivor benefits)
- Adoption or citizenship papers
Step 3: Money and property
Make a simple list rather than gathering every statement. For each item, write the institution, the type of account, the last four digits of the account number, and who to contact.
- Bank and credit union accounts
- Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, pension) and the named beneficiaries
- Brokerage and investment accounts
- Life insurance policies, with policy numbers and beneficiaries
- Real estate deeds and mortgage information
- Vehicle titles and loans
- Debts: credit cards, personal loans, student loans
- Recent tax returns (the last three years is a good rule) and the name of your tax preparer
- Safe deposit box location and key
- Business ownership documents, if you own a business
A tip many estate planners give: beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance usually override your will. Review them whenever life changes, especially after a marriage, divorce or birth.
Step 4: Insurance and benefits
- Health, home, auto, disability and long-term care insurance
- Employer benefits, including group life insurance
- Social Security or pension benefit details
- Veterans benefits, if any
Step 5: Your digital life
This is the section most people forget, and the one families struggle with most.
- A list of important accounts: email, cloud storage, banking apps, social media, subscriptions.
- Where your passwords are kept. Do not write passwords on the list itself. Instead, note which password manager you use and how a trusted person can get emergency access, or where a sealed envelope is kept.
- Your phone passcode, stored securely, because the phone is often the key to everything else.
- Settings you have already made, such as Google Inactive Account Manager, Apple Legacy Contact or a Facebook legacy contact.
- Cryptocurrency: where the wallet and recovery information are kept, without writing the phrase itself on the list.
For a platform-by-platform explanation, read what happens to your digital accounts when you die.
Step 6: Contacts
- Your attorney, accountant and financial advisor
- Insurance agents
- Your doctors and pharmacy
- Your employer's HR department
- Close friends who should be told quickly
- Who should care for pets, and their vet
Step 7: Personal wishes that are not legal documents
Some of the most important information is not legal at all. It is about what you want.
- A legacy letter sharing your values and memories. See how to write a legacy letter.
- Memorial wishes: music, readings, where you would like ashes scattered, who should speak.
- What should happen to sentimental items that are not worth listing in a will.
- Organ and body donation wishes, in addition to registering with your state's donor registry.
- Wishes about the long-term future. Some people have strong feelings about cryonics, digital avatars, or whether they would want to be revived if science ever made it possible. These are rarely covered by standard forms. Our guide to revival wishes and legal documents explains what existing documents can and cannot do, and Revival Registry offers a private place to record that answer so it can be found.
How to store everything
- Use one place. A labeled binder or fireproof box at home works well. Keep originals of anything legal in a safe place your executor can reach. Be careful about putting the only copy of your will in a safe deposit box that may be hard to open after death.
- Make a digital copy. Scan the folder and store it in an encrypted cloud folder or password manager that a trusted person can access.
- Tell two people. Your executor and one other trusted person should know the folder exists and where it is.
- Add a cover page. One sheet at the front that says "If something happens to me, start here," with the three or four most urgent items and phone numbers.
Keep it current
Set a reminder to review the folder once a year, perhaps on your birthday or at tax time, and after big life events: marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, a move, a new job, a serious diagnosis or the death of someone you named.
Start with one page
If this list feels overwhelming, start with a single page that lists where your will is, who your executor is, your main bank, your life insurance, and how to unlock your phone. Put it in an envelope, label it, and tell someone. You can build out the rest a little at a time.