PRACTICAL GUIDE
Important Documents Your Family Should Know About
A clear guide to the documents, locations, contacts, and instructions family members may need if you become unavailable.
Published · Reviewed
They need a map, not necessarily a copy
Family members should know that important records exist, where authoritative originals are held, and whom to contact. Giving everyone permanent access to every sensitive document can create unnecessary risk.
Identity and family records
- Birth, marriage, divorce, adoption, and citizenship records
- Passport and identification details
- Military service and benefit records
- Names and contact details for close family
Money, property, and insurance
- Financial institution and adviser list
- Insurance carriers, policy types, and claim contacts
- Mortgage, lease, title, deed, and safe-deposit information
- Tax preparer and location of recent returns
- Recurring obligations that cannot be missed
Legal and care instructions
- Will, trust, powers of attorney, and location of signed originals
- Attorney and executor or trustee contacts
- Advance directive and health-care agent
- Care instructions for children, pets, or other dependents
Confirm access while you can
Ask a trusted person to follow the map during a test. Fix missing contact details, outdated file names, and instructions that depend on your memory. Legal authority varies by location and account, so coordinate the plan with qualified professionals.