Estate Planning – What Your Family Should Know

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A Practical Checklist for Peace of Mind

Estate planning is not just about drafting documents. It is also about making sure your family knows what to do — and where to look — if something happens.

Even the best legal documents will not help if no one knows they exist.

This guide outlines what every adult should communicate to their loved ones.

1️⃣ Where Important Documents Are Located

Your family should know:

✔ Where your original Will is stored
✔ Where your Power of Attorney documents are kept
✔ Where your Health Care Directive is located
✔ Where to find your trust documents (if applicable)
✔ Where to find property deeds
✔ Where to find vehicle titles
✔ Where to locate military discharge papers (if applicable)

Best practice:
Store originals in a safe but accessible location. Do not place your only original Will in a safe deposit box unless someone else has access.

2️⃣ Who Your Decision-Makers Are

Your family should know:

✔ Who you named as Financial Power of Attorney
✔ Who you named as Health Care Power of Attorney
✔ Who you named as Executor of your Will
✔ Who your guardian is for minor children (if applicable)

Even if you do not share full document contents, your family should know who is in charge.

3️⃣ Insurance Information

Your family should know:

✔ Whether you have life insurance
✔ The name of the insurance company
✔ Policy numbers (or where they are stored)
✔ Contact information for the agent or company
✔ Whether you have employer-provided coverage
✔ Whether you have accidental death policies

Also include:

Long-term care insurance
Disability insurance
Annuities

Keep a list of policy numbers and contact information.

4️⃣ Financial Account Information

Your family does NOT need your passwords — but they should know:

✔ Where you bank
✔ Where you hold investment accounts
✔ Whether you have retirement accounts (401k, IRA, etc.)
✔ Whether you have online-only financial accounts
✔ Who your financial advisor is

Consider keeping a master list stored securely.

5️⃣ Digital Assets & Online Access

In today’s world, digital information is critical.

Your family should know:

✔ How to access your phone (or where passcodes are stored securely)
✔ Where password information is stored (password manager, sealed envelope, etc.)
✔ Email access instructions
✔ Social media preferences
✔ Online subscription accounts

Digital assets can delay estate administration if no one can access them.

6️⃣ Funeral & Burial Preferences

One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is clarity about your wishes.

Consider documenting:

✔ Burial or cremation preference
✔ Religious or cultural preferences
✔ Preferred funeral home
✔ Prepaid burial arrangements (if any)
✔ Organ donation wishes
✔ Service preferences

If arrangements are prepaid, make sure your family knows where the contract is located.

7️⃣ Property & Personal Items

Communicate clearly about:

✔ Family heirlooms
✔ Jewelry
✔ Sentimental items
✔ Business interests
✔ Firearms (including safe combinations and legal transfer requirements)

Even if your Will addresses distribution, discussing expectations can prevent disputes.

8️⃣ Debts & Ongoing Obligations

Your family should know:

✔ Mortgage lender
✔ Car loan provider
✔ Credit card accounts
✔ Business loans
✔ Alimony or support obligations

Provide enough information so they are not searching blindly.

9️⃣ Professional Contacts

Keep a simple list of:

✔ Estate planning attorney
✔ Accountant
✔ Financial advisor
✔ Insurance agent
✔ Business partners (if applicable)

This allows your family to move quickly and confidently.

10️⃣ When to Update Your Family

Review and update your information:

After marriage or divorce
After birth of a child
After death of a beneficiary or executor
After significant financial changes
Every 3–5 years

Outdated information can cause confusion and delay.

Consider Creating a “Family Information Binder”

Many clients create a simple binder or secure digital folder containing:

Document location list
Insurance summaries
Account contact information
Funeral preferences
Professional contact list

This does not replace legal documents — it complements them.

The Goal: Reduce Stress During Crisis

When a loved one passes away or becomes incapacitated, emotions run high.

Clear instructions and organized information:

✔ Reduce family conflict
✔ Prevent delays
✔ Avoid unnecessary legal expenses
✔ Provide peace of mind

Planning is not about expecting the worst — it is about protecting the people you care about.

Need Help Organizing Your Plan?

If you would like assistance reviewing your estate plan, updating documents, or creating a coordinated plan, contact Ginsburg Law Group. 📞 855-978-6564

Important Disclosure

This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Estate planning laws vary by state. Consult an attorney licensed in your state regarding your specific situation.

✅ Family Emergency Information Checklist

1. Personal Information

Full Legal Name: ________________________________
Date of Birth: _________________________________
Social Security Number (last 4 digits): _________
Driver’s License # / State: _____________________
Home Address: _________________________________
Phone Number: _________________________________

2. Emergency Contacts

Primary Emergency Contact: ______________________
Phone: __________________ Relationship: ___________

Secondary Emergency Contact: ____________________
Phone: __________________ Relationship: ___________