The last thing any of us wants is for our family to be left in the dark at a time when they are grieving.
While death is never an easy subject to contemplate, preparing for it is one of the most practical and caring things you can do for those you leave behind.
By organising your affairs – clearly, accessibly and securely – you can spare your loved ones unnecessary confusion and distress at an already difficult time, ensuring they can quickly locate everything they need to manage your financial affairs and distribute your assets according to your wishes.
Why a ‘just-in-case’ or ‘if I die’ folder matters
Administering an estate of any size requires access to information – knowing what accounts exist, where documents are stored, and how to contact relevant organisations.
When this information is scattered, outdated or unknown, the probate process becomes more stressful and time-consuming for family members.
Preparing this information in one place is as important as tax planning and estate planning—and in many ways is the final step that ensures all your other planning actually works.
What to include
Your ‘folder’ can be physical, digital or a combination of both. The key is clarity, accuracy and accessibility, but without compromising security.
With more of our assets, accounts and records now stored (often solely) online – and with the introduction of electronic wills under the proposed Wills Bill – ensuring they are accessible after death is essential.
It’s important to note that you should not leave a list of usernames and passwords.
Sharing passwords breaches security protocols and, in some cases, terms of service.
Instead, you will need to list account names and appoint a digital executor (a growing recommendation in will writing) to manage your digital assets.
Your folder should include:
- Key personal documents – most importantly your will, along with birth, marriage and divorce certificates as well as your National Insurance number, passport and driving licence.
- Financial and legal information – bank accounts (including savings and ISAs), investment accounts and portfolio statements, pension details/digital pension portals, insurance policies, mortgage or property ownership documents and details of debts or loans.
- Digital assets and online accounts – email accounts, personal digital storage for photos/documents, utilities and subscriptions and social media accounts. Many, if not most, of your financial and legal information may be held online (listed above). All of this may be locked behind privacy protections if no instructions are left behind.
- Contact information – a list of key people and organisations such as your solicitor, financial planner, accountant and providers to give your executor and family clear starting points.
- Funeral wishes and personal notes – preferences for burial, cremation or ceremony and notes about sentimental items or instructions not covered by the will may also be included
Storage and accessibility
You’ll need to choose a secure way to store all of your information. This might be a safe, a digital vault or a sealed envelope held by your solicitor.
You’ll also need to inform your executor, solicitor or next of kin about what you’ve prepared, where it’s stored and how they can access it.
For safety and continuity, sometimes it helps to let two trusted people know where your ‘just-in-case’ folder is kept.
A practical legacy
Pulling all of the above together isn’t about being morbid – it’s about being thoughtful.
It reduces uncertainty, prevents administrative stress, and supports your loved ones at a time when they will need it most.
When you have worked hard to build your financial security, completing this final piece of organisation ensures it benefits the people you care about, smoothly and with minimal complication.
