End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Essential Contacts & Accounts
This step-by-step checklist covers legal, financial and digital legacy details. Who to notify, what to access and where everything lives, so your plan is complete and easy to follow by loved ones. By centralizing accounts, beneficiaries, policies and essential documents & contacts, you eliminate guesswork, prevent missed benefits and save your loved ones weeks of stressful detective work. Build a clear, secure end-of-life organizer today and give your family lasting peace of mind.
Why does organizing end-of-life contacts matter?
An up-to-date contact and account inventory is one of the most valuable gifts you can leave your family and executor. When everything is in one place—who to notify, which accounts exist, where key documents live—your loved ones avoid weeks of detective work, missed benefits, and costly lapses (unpaid bills, canceled insurance, forfeited loyalty points). Use the checklist below to build a clear index of the people, organizations, and assets connected to your life. Keep it with your will/trust, share it with your executor and healthcare agent, and review it after major life changes.
Your Complete Inventory Checklist
Click each category below to expand and see what information to gather. Each item explains why it matters and what details your executor will need.
Legal & Fiduciary Roles
Executor / Personal Representative
The person named in your will who is legally responsible for settling your estate—collecting assets, paying final bills and taxes, and distributing what remains according to your will. Having their full contact info and a backup avoids court delays and ensures someone can act immediately after death.
Trustee / Co-trustee
The individual or institution that manages assets titled to your trust for the benefit of your beneficiaries. Their details allow banks, brokerages, and title companies to recognize the trustee's authority quickly and continue bill payments or distributions without interruption.
Estate / Elder Law Attorney
Your lawyer's name, firm, phone, and file number. They guide the executor/trustee through probate or trust administration, prepare required filings, and help interpret your documents—saving time and preventing costly mistakes.
Durable Power of Attorney (Finance)
The person empowered to act for you on financial matters during incapacity (authority ends at death). Listing them (and where the document lives) ensures continuity if a health event precedes death and helps the executor understand recent actions taken on your behalf.
Healthcare Agent / Proxy
The person authorized to make medical decisions if you cannot. Although their authority ends at death, having their info helps care teams coordinate in the final days and locate your directives quickly.
Guardian for Minor Children (and Backup)
The caregiver you've legally named to raise your children. Contact info and any "letter of intent" for parenting preferences help courts and family members transition care smoothly.
Pet Guardian (and Backup)
The person who will take permanent responsibility for your pets. Including your vet and pet insurance info helps ensure immediate care and continuity of routines.
Family & Inner Circle
Spouse/Partner; Former Spouse (if shared children)
Primary next of kin and co-parent. Accurate contacts help with benefit claims, joint account transfers, and coordination of memorials or custody matters.
Children / Step-Children
Individual contacts allow the executor to share updates, deliver keepsakes, and coordinate beneficiary paperwork without bottlenecks.
Parents / Siblings / Closest Friends
People to notify and, often, informal helpers who can assist with home access, pet care, or gathering documents.
Financial & Benefits
Banks / Credit Unions (all accounts)
Institution name, branch or relationship manager, and account type (checking/savings/CD). This enables quick freezing/retitling of accounts, prevents fraud, and ensures automatic payments are handled correctly.
Credit Cards / Lines of Credit
Issuer and last four digits. Cards must be closed or transferred; points may be redeemable or transferable to heirs. Clear info prevents late fees and preserves value.
Investment & Brokerage Accounts
Names of firms (e.g., Fidelity, Vanguard), account numbers, and advisor contact. These accounts may pass by beneficiary designation; the advisor helps coordinate tax forms and transfers.
Retirement Plans (401(k), 403(b), IRA)
Plan administrator, account type, and beneficiary on file. These have special tax and payout rules; correct contacts speed claims and avoid penalties.
Payroll & Employer Benefits
HR and benefits portals for final paycheck, leave payouts, health benefits, COBRA, pensions, and death benefits. This avoids missed deadlines and ensures eligible benefits are claimed.
Life Insurance Policies
Carrier, policy numbers, beneficiary info, and claim phone/web. Having this at hand can deliver funds quickly for immediate expenses and funeral costs.
Disability / Long-Term Care Insurance
Carrier and claim contacts. Policies may still owe benefits or have return-of-premium features; your executor won't know without details.
Mortgage / HELOC / Landlord / HOA
Loan servicers or property managers, account numbers, and payment schedules. This prevents late fees, foreclosure risks, or loss of access while the estate is settled.
Utilities (power, water, gas, trash)
Providers and account numbers to maintain essential services at the home until sold or transferred, or to stop service when appropriate.
Internet / Mobile / Cable / Satellite
Carriers, account PINs (stored securely), and plan details. Keeping service active helps the executor access two-factor codes and online statements; later, accounts can be canceled or transferred.
Taxes (CPA / Tax Preparer)
Contact to prepare final personal returns and any estate or trust returns, ensuring compliance and minimizing penalties.
Financial Planner / Wealth Manager
Advisor who knows your overall picture and can help the executor prioritize actions, rebalance holdings, and protect beneficiaries.
Government & Identification
Social Security Number (location only)
Note where the SSN is stored (never list the number in the inventory). The executor needs it for death reporting and benefit coordination.
Driver's License / State ID / Passport
Locations and expiration dates for ID used in claims, asset transfers, and travel-related cancellations.
Veterans Affairs (if applicable)
VA number and regional office contact to access burial honors, survivor benefits, and counseling resources.
Citizenship / Immigration Documents
Where originals are kept and attorney contact; critical for heirs who may need these documents for legal processes.
Medical & Healthcare
Primary Care Doctor & Key Specialists
Names, practice numbers, and patient portal access paths. They provide death certificates, medical summaries, or guidance for family.
Health Insurance / Medicare / Medicaid
Member IDs and contact lines for claim closures and coordination of final bills, preventing collections or lapses in coverage for dependents.
Pharmacy
Preferred pharmacy and any auto-refill info to stop renewals and dispose of medications safely.
Palliative Care / Hospice Contacts
Team leads and program numbers so your executor can coordinate services, equipment pickup, grief support, and benefits.
Therapist / Counselor
Contact for continuity of care for family members who choose to continue or begin counseling.
Housing & Property
Primary Residence Details
Deed/title location, property tax account, homeowners insurance, and alarm company. Ensures the home stays insured, secure, and sellable.
Rentals / Investment Properties
Property managers, leases, deposits, and tenant contacts. The executor can keep rent flowing, manage repairs, or prepare for sale.
Homeowner's / Renter's / Umbrella Insurance
Carrier and policy numbers so coverage stays in force during the transition, protecting estate assets.
Vehicle(s)
Make/model/VIN, title location, loan/lease info, and auto insurer. Helps with transfer of title, sale, or continued use by family without legal snags.
Storage Units / Safe-Deposit Boxes
Addresses, unit/box numbers, and key locations. Prevents abandonment and ensures valuables are accounted for.
Keys & Codes
Where to find house, car, safe, mailbox, and alarm codes (store securely). Immediate access reduces emergency locksmith costs and delays.
Employment & Business
Current/Recent Employer
HR and manager contacts for device returns, badge/account deactivation, and benefits processing.
Business Entities (LLC/Corp)
Registered agent, operating agreements, EIN, and accountant. Allows partners or the executor to keep the business compliant and operating or to wind it down properly.
Domain Registrar / Website Host / Email Workspace
Providers, renewal dates, and admin emails. Prevents loss of domains or sites that hold business value or family archives.
Payment Processors & Commerce (Stripe, PayPal, Etsy, Shopify)
Settlement settings and balances so funds aren't stranded and stores can be closed cleanly.
Professional Licenses & Associations
Renewal/closure steps to avoid fines and to notify clients or boards appropriately.
Digital Life & Security
Primary Email Accounts
The addresses used for password resets, banking, and bills. Rather than listing passwords, point to your password manager and emergency access process; this is the "key" the executor will use to reach everything else.
Password Manager (Emergency/Legacy Access)
The service name and how emergency access is triggered (e.g., trusted contact, waiting period). This is the safest way to pass credentials without writing them down.
Two-Factor Auth (2FA) Methods
Where backup codes or security keys are stored (location only). Without these, even correct passwords may not work.
Cloud Storage & Photos (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive)
Accounts that hold important documents and family media, plus any shared folders others will need.
Social Media & Legacy Contacts
Your choices for memorialization or account deletion (Facebook legacy contact, etc.). Clear instructions help preserve memories and prevent impersonation.
Streaming / Subscriptions
Services to cancel or transfer, stopping recurring charges and ensuring family doesn't lose money on unused accounts.
E-commerce & Marketplaces
Amazon, eBay, or other profiles tied to returns, subscriptions, or seller accounts; note where order history and receipts live for warranty claims or taxes.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Exchanges, wallets, and custody details. Because recovery is unforgiving, reference a sealed instruction (via trustee/executor) and ensure your password manager and seed-phrase storage process are robust.
Memberships & Loyalty
Airline & Hotel Loyalty Programs
Program names and member IDs; many allow point transfer or redemption by heirs if requested promptly.
Retail Rewards & Credit Card Points
Accrued value that can fund travel or purchases for the family—don't let it evaporate for lack of knowledge.
Season Tickets / Seat Licenses / Clubs
Team or venue, seat info, and transfer policies; missed deadlines can forfeit valuable rights.
Gyms & Social/Professional Clubs
Membership offices to cancel or transfer, avoiding ongoing dues and notifying your community.
Education & Dependents
529/College Savings Plans
Plan administrator and beneficiaries; distributions have tax rules and timing considerations for the successor owner.
School / Daycare Contacts
Admin and billing portals so caregivers can coordinate schedules, tuition, and records without disruption.
Special Needs Plans
ABLE accounts, care coordinators, and any "letter of intent" describing routines and supports—crucial for continuity of care.
Pets & Animal Care
Veterinarian
Clinic, medical records location, and preferred care instructions. This ensures immediate, informed care for pets.
Pet Insurance
Carrier and policy number; claims may still be in process.
Pet Care Instructions
Food, medications, routines, microchip info, and the pet guardian contact. These practical details make a stressful transition easier for animals and humans alike.
Faith & Community
Pastor/Priest/Rabbi/Imam or Spiritual Guide
Contact to coordinate memorials, rituals, or community support that reflects your wishes.
Community & Volunteer Organizations
Leaders to notify; they can support your family and honor your service.
Preferred Funeral Home / Memorial Wishes Contact
Planning notes and prepaid arrangements (if any) so your family can act confidently and avoid guesswork or overspending.
Charities / Foundations
Donation preferences and memorial gift instructions to channel support where it matters to you.
Documents & Storage
Will / Trust / Codicils
Where originals are stored and who has copies; originals are often required for probate or funding the trust.
Advance Directive / POLST / HIPAA Release
Locations and named agents; these guide care in the final days and help family access records appropriately.
Titles & Deeds; Vehicle Titles
Storage location and who has access; needed for sales or transfers.
Insurance Policies & Statements
A central folder—physical or digital—so the executor can locate active coverage and start claims immediately.
Tax Returns (last 2–3 years)
Essential for final returns and verifying income, cost basis, and deductions.
Household Binder / Digital Vault Path
The master index pointing to all of the above (and how your password manager's emergency access works). This reduces chaos to a single, understandable roadmap.
How to Use This Checklist
Create a simple table with columns for "Item," "Provider/Person," "Account/ID (last 4)," "Where it lives," and "Notes." Never write passwords directly; instead, enable your password manager's emergency access and note how it's triggered. Share the inventory with your executor and a backup, and store a printed copy with your estate documents.
Keep Your Inventory Organized with A Final Message
Store your complete contact inventory securely alongside your final messages, accessible only to your designated recipients when needed.
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