Essential Documents Checklist
1. Legal Documents
- Last Will and Testament: Specifies asset distribution and guardianship for minors.
- Living Will/Advance Directive: Outlines healthcare preferences in case of incapacitation.
- Durable Power of Attorney (POA): Authorizes someone to make financial or legal decisions.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney: Grants authority to make medical decisions.
- Trust Documents: Includes revocable or irrevocable trusts for asset management.
- Prenuptial/Postnuptial Agreements: If applicable.
- Divorce Decrees: If previously divorced, these may affect inheritance or obligations.
2. Identification and Personal Records
- Birth Certificates (for all family members)
- Social Security Cards
- Marriage Certificates
- Adoption Papers or Custody Agreements (if applicable)
- Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) for veterans
3. Financial Documents
- Bank Account Information: Account numbers, bank names, and online login details
- Investment Portfolios: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.)
- Pension and Annuity Documents
- Tax Returns: At least 3–7 years of prior returns
- Debt Records: Mortgage, car loans, student loans, and credit card accounts
- Pay Stubs or Employment Benefits Details
4. Insurance Policies
- Life Insurance Policies (with beneficiary details)
- Health Insurance Cards and Policies
- Long-term Care Insurance Policies
- Property and Casualty Insurance (homeowners, renters, auto, etc.)
5. Property Records
- Real Estate Deeds
- Mortgage or Lease Agreements
- Vehicle Titles or Lease Documents
- List of Valuables/Personal Property (jewelry, artwork, collectibles)
6. Business Documents (if applicable)
- Business Ownership Agreements (LLC, Partnership, or Corporation)
- Business Insurance Policies
- Operating Agreements or Shareholder Agreements
7. Digital Assets
- Password Manager or List of Passwords for:
- Email Accounts
- Social Media Profiles
- Online Financial Accounts
- Cryptocurrency Wallet Details
- Domain Names or Online Businesses
8. Funeral and Burial Preferences
- Funeral Plans or Prepaid Arrangements
- Burial/Cremation Instructions
- Obituary Draft or Personal Messages
9. Contact Information
- Estate Attorney
- Financial Advisor
- Insurance Agents
- Key Family Members and Close Friends
10. Other Key Information
- Safe Deposit Box Key and Inventory
- Self-storage Unit, Location and Inventory
- Copies of Utility and Subscription Accounts
- Written Instructions for Pets (care details, vet information)
Storage Tips
- Secure Location: Use a fireproof safe, secure filing cabinet, or bank safe deposit box for hard-copies.
- Copies: Use What My Family Needs To Know to store digital copies as well as instructions on how and where to access the physical copies.
- Update Regularly: Review annually to keep information current.