The "When I Die" File

by Jenny Ling, Esq.

Creating a "when I die" file may not be the most pleasant task to consider, but it is an important one that can provide a sense of comfort and security for your loved ones after you pass away. This file can be a digital or physical document that contains important information, instructions, and wishes that your family and other loved ones would need to know after your death.

Why Create a "When I Die" File?

When someone passes away, it can be a difficult and emotional time for their loved ones. During this time, important decisions need to be made regarding the deceased's affairs, such as funeral arrangements, accessing financial accounts, and managing their estate. Without proper guidance, these tasks can be overwhelming and confusing for the family and friends left behind.

Creating a "when I die" file can help alleviate some of the stress and confusion that comes with these tasks. By having all of the important information in one place, your loved ones will be able to access the information they need to make decisions and carry out your wishes without having to search through paperwork and accounts.

What Information Should Be Included in a "When I Die" File?

A "when I die" file should contain information that your family and loved ones would need to know after your death. Here are some of the important pieces of information that should be included:

1. Personal Information: Your full name, birth date, and social security number. Also, include the location of your birth certificate and any other important identification documents.
2. Will and/or Living Trust: Information regarding your Will and Living Trust, if you have one, including the name of the executors and trustees and location of your original will.
3. Funeral and Burial Instructions: Include any wishes you have regarding your funeral or burial arrangements, including whether you would like to be cremated or buried, the location of the cemetery plot, and any instructions regarding a memorial service.  As part of all of our comprehensive estate plans, we help you prepare a Memorandum of Remembrances and Services that allows you to provide detailed information for your family and loved ones regarding your obituary, any memorial services you would like, and the disposition of your remains.
4. Financial Accounts: A list of all of your financial accounts, including bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement accounts. Also, include login information and passwords for these accounts.  During the estate planning process, we help you create a Family Wealth Inventory Spreadsheet that lists all of your assets, with account numbers, so that your family knows exactly what assets you hold and nothing is lost to the Unclaimed Property Division at the Washington State Department of Revenue.
5. Life Insurance Policies: Information regarding any life insurance policies you have, including the name of the policy and the policy number.
6. Digital Assets: A list of your digital assets, including social media accounts, email accounts, and online storage accounts. Also, include login information and passwords for these accounts.
7. Important Contacts: A list of important contacts, including family members, attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors.
8. Passwords: A list of passwords for all of your online accounts, including email, banking, and social media.
9. Final Wishes: Any other final wishes you may have, such as organ donation, charitable donations, or the distribution of personal items.

Creating a "when I die" file can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. By having all of the important information in one place, your family and friends will be able to have the space to grieve and feel supported, and mourn your loss, and feel loved knowing you cared enough to put this together for them so they can carry out your wishes and manage your affairs in a timely and efficient manner. Taking the time to create a "when I die" file can ensure that your loved ones have the guidance they need during a difficult time.

Comprehensive estate planning is planning for your family’s future.  At The Law Offices of Jenny Ling, PLLC, we can help you create a plan that handles your assets in the exact manner you wish, taking into account all of your family’s dynamics, so your death or incapacity won’t be any more painful or expensive for your family than it needs to be.  We offer flat-fee, customizable plans that fit your life so you can be certain that your family is taken care of, and that there is no question what your wishes are.

If you are ready to make a comprehensive estate plan, contact our offices to schedule your complimentary 15-minute phone consultation and Make a Plan!

Jenny Ling is a partner at the Law Offices of Jenny Ling, PLLC.  She focuses her practices on estate planning, business succession planning, business and bankruptcy