Families struggle most with missing context, not missing files. Leave what someone needs in the first week, plus clear instructions.
Write a short note for a tired reader: who to call first, where the will and insurance papers live, who your attorney and accountant are, and what should happen in the first 48 hours. Keep credentials out of this letter unless the whole vault protects them. A will says who inherits. This letter says what to do on Monday morning.
Bank and investment accounts, life and homeowners insurance, autopay that must keep running, and debts that need attention. Include institution names, policy numbers when useful, and agent contacts. Store copies of documents you already have. We do not draft wills or give legal advice.
Which password manager you use and how to open it, your primary email, phone unlock notes if needed, and cloud photo libraries. Prefer one password-manager handoff over a long password list. See the password manager guide for the safest pattern.
Seed phrases, exchange notes, and recovery steps belong with plain-language instructions for someone who has never held a wallet. Never put a full seed phrase in a will. See the crypto guide for the leave-and-claim approach.
Household accounts for one person, business notes for another, a private letter for a child later. Assign beneficiaries on files and folders, then use handoff preview and a practice claim before you rely on the plan.