Reference Guide

Essential Documents Your Family Will Need

When someone dies, families often scramble to find important documents — bank accounts, insurance policies, property deeds, pension details. Use this checklist to get organised now, so they're not searching later.

Legal Documents

  • Will and codicils — The primary document distributing your estate
  • Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) — For finances and/or health decisions
  • Trust deeds — Any trust arrangements for estate distribution
  • Beneficiary designations — Life insurance, pension, ISA nominations
  • Funeral wishes — Instructions for burial or cremation

Financial Accounts

  • Bank accounts — All current, savings, and joint accounts
  • Pension statements — State and private pension details
  • Investment accounts — ISAs, stocks, bonds, crypto
  • Credit card details — Accounts to close or manage

Insurance Policies

  • Life insurance — Policy documents and claim contacts
  • Private health insurance — Details and cancellations
  • Critical illness cover — Policy documents
  • Home insurance — Buildings and contents

Property & Assets

  • Property deeds — Title documents for any owned property
  • Mortgage documents — Current statements and provider details
  • Vehicle registration — Car and bike details
  • Valuable possessions — Jewellery, art, collectibles inventory

Identity & Personal

  • Passport — Location and copy
  • Driving licence — Details for DVLA notification
  • National Insurance number — For HMRC notification
  • Birth and marriage certificates

Digital Accounts

  • Password manager export — Access to stored passwords
  • Email accounts — Recovery details and instructions
  • Social media — Accounts and wishes for memorialisation
  • Subscription services — Accounts to cancel

Store These Securely

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Pro Tip

Don't just store the documents — keep a note of where to find them. Include account numbers, policy numbers, and contact numbers for each institution. Your family will thank you.

Related Articles

→ What Documents Does My Family Need When I Die? → Organising Documents After Someone Dies → Store Your Will Securely