As an estate planning attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be for families left to sort through a loved one’s affairs after their passing. Even those with a well-drafted will or trust can leave behind confusion, delay, and frustration simply because their loved ones don’t know where to find important documents or how to access key accounts. That’s why I strongly recommend adding a “When I Die” file to your estate plan.
This simple yet powerful tool can save your family tremendous time, money, and emotional strain during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
What Is a “When I Die” File?
The term was popularized by Shoshana Berger and BJ Miller in their book A Beginner's Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death. They describe it as a “findable file, binder, cloud-based drive, or even a shoebox where you store estate documents and other meaningful information.”
In short, it’s the central hub your loved ones can turn to if something happens to you—whether that’s death or incapacity. It’s not a legal document in and of itself, but rather an organized collection of everything your family might need to manage your affairs efficiently and respectfully.
Why It Matters More Than You Think
Shoshana Berger shares a personal story that illustrates this need perfectly. When her father passed away, she and her sister found his will and trust with ease. But beyond that? They spent nearly two years piecing together the rest of his financial life—digging through file cabinets, mail, and countless phone calls, just to close accounts or claim assets.
This is more common than you might think. I’ve worked with clients who had to track down forgotten insurance policies, unclaimed bank accounts, or even digital assets like cryptocurrency wallets that no one knew existed. If those items aren’t clearly listed—and accessible—they could be lost forever or locked in costly legal limbo.
Avoiding a Bureaucratic Nightmare
One of the simplest yet most impactful recommendations is to make sure your regular billing accounts—think phone, internet, utilities—have a joint owner or authorized user. Without this, your loved ones may spend hours navigating customer service reps and red tape just to shut off your cell phone or access your online billing.
Berger puts it best: “Think of every frustrating call you’ve had with your cell provider, and then multiply it by 10.” If those accounts aren't jointly held or included in your file with clear instructions, the process becomes a bureaucratic nightmare.
Don’t Overlook Digital Assets
We live in a digital world—and your estate plan needs to reflect that. Your loved ones will need access to email accounts, cloud photo storage, social media platforms, online banking, investment portals, and potentially even cryptocurrency wallets.
Including login credentials and instructions in your “When I Die” file is essential. A password management tool like LastPass or 1Password can be a smart way to securely store this information. I also recommend scanning and uploading copies of your documents to a secure cloud drive. That way, they’re accessible in an emergency and protected against physical damage.
What Should Go Into the File?
Every family is different, but here’s a solid starting point for what to include in your “When I Die” file:
- Updated inventory of all your assets and where to find them
- Passwords and access info for all digital accounts and devices
- Will and living trust (including certificate of trust)
- Advance healthcare directive and power of attorney
- Life insurance policies and retirement account info
- Marriage or divorce certificates
- Funeral and burial/cremation instructions
- An ethical will (a letter explaining your wishes, values, and choices)
- Letters, cards, and photos you’d like to leave behind
- If you have minor children: a Kids Protection Plan: This includes naming both long-term and short-term guardians, along with specific instructions for care, routines, and preferences.
Plan Now—Not Later
It’s uncomfortable to think about, but the reality is that life is unpredictable. Creating your “When I Die” file is not about being morbid—it’s about being responsible and loving. It’s a way of saying to your family: I cared enough to make things easier for you when you’ll need it most.
At our firm, we help clients organize not just their legal documents, but their entire life and legacy. Our Life & Legacy Planning Sessions are designed to ensure nothing gets lost or forgotten, and that your plan truly works when your family needs it.
If you haven’t created your “When I Die” file yet, now is the time. It’s one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your loved ones. Reach out today to schedule your planning session—and take this important step toward peace of mind.
Contact us today to get started.
This article is a service of Amy L. Jenkins, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own, separate from this educational material.
