Practical prompts for gathering information and writing useful notes for every Passage Plans checklist item.
You prepare. Your loved ones carry it forward.
Before your death, open each Plan ahead task, update its status, and save detailed notes that explain what it is, where to find it, and what your loved ones should do next.
Share your plan and grant edit permission in advance to trusted people who will update it. Ask them to accept their invitation using their own account.
After your death, your loved ones follow your notes and complete the remaining After a death tasks.
Protect sensitive information
Record where information can be found, not passwords, PINs, safe combinations, Social Security numbers, or full account numbers. This guide is for organization and does not provide legal, financial, or medical advice.
Plan ahead topics
Create or Update Will
Ensure a legally valid will is in place to dictate asset distribution.
Where to begin
Search for an estate planning attorney in your area, or explore online legal document services. Many local bar associations offer free lawyer referral services.
Helpful details to record
Whether a signed will exists and the date it was signed
Where the original is stored and who knows how to find it
The names and contact details of the executor and attorney
Establish Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make financial and legal decisions if you are unable.
Where to begin
Contact an estate attorney, or use online legal document services. Some banks also provide POA forms for financial matters specific to their accounts.
Helpful details to record
The name and contact details of the person appointed
Which matters the document covers
Where the signed original and any copies are stored
Create Advance Directive (Living Will)
Specify medical treatment preferences in case of incapacitation.
Where to begin
Your state health department website often has free advance directive forms. Many hospitals also provide these documents, or you can work with an attorney.
Helpful details to record
Whether the directive is complete and when it was last reviewed
Where the signed document is stored
Which healthcare providers and trusted people have copies
Appoint a Healthcare Proxy
Designate someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
Where to begin
Choose someone you trust completely and discuss your wishes with them. Forms are often available from your doctor's office, hospital, or state health department.
Helpful details to record
The proxy and alternate proxy names and contact details
Whether you have discussed your wishes with them
Where the signed appointment document is stored
Organize Financial Documents
Gather bank statements, investment records, tax returns, and loan documents.
Where to begin
Start by gathering recent bank statements, tax returns, and policy documents. A simple folder system or fireproof safe works well for organization.
Helpful details to record
The institutions where accounts are held and the account types
Where statements, tax records, and loan documents can be found
The name and contact details of any financial professional
Review Insurance Policies
Check life, health, and property insurance policies and beneficiary information.
Where to begin
Contact your insurance agents or log into your online accounts to review current policies. Check that beneficiaries are up to date on life insurance.
Helpful details to record
The insurer, policy type, and policy number or safe reference
The agent or insurer contact details
Where the policy documents are stored and when beneficiaries were reviewed
Plan Digital Assets
List your important online accounts, record where passwords are kept, and leave instructions for managing or closing each one.
Where to begin
Create a list of your online accounts and consider using a password manager. Write instructions for what should happen to each account.
Helpful details to record
Important accounts and what should happen to each one
Where passwords and access instructions are kept (for example, a password manager)
Any legacy contacts or digital executors already appointed
Pre-plan Funeral Arrangements
Decide on burial/cremation, service type, and other arrangements to ease the burden on family.
Where to begin
Contact local funeral homes for pre-planning consultations (usually free), or research prepaid funeral plans. Consumer advocacy organizations can help compare options.
Helpful details to record
Burial, cremation, donation, or other preferences
Any selected provider, prepaid arrangement, or policy
Service, location, cultural, religious, and budget preferences
Document Final Wishes
Write down personal wishes for memorials, messages to loved ones, or other requests.
Where to begin
Set aside quiet time to write down your preferences for memorials, messages to loved ones, and personal requests. A letter to your family can be invaluable.
Helpful details to record
People you want notified or involved
Music, readings, messages, donations, or memorial preferences
Where letters, photos, or other personal materials are stored
After a death topics
Obtain Death Certificate
Get multiple official copies of the death certificate for legal and financial purposes.
Where to begin
The funeral home or local vital records office can explain how to order certified copies. Ask the institutions involved how many originals they require before ordering.
Helpful details to record
Who is responsible for ordering certified copies
The issuing office or funeral provider contact details
How many copies were ordered, received, and distributed
Notify Family and Friends
Inform close relatives, friends, and employer about the passing.
Where to begin
Create a contact list now of people who should be notified. Designate someone to make phone calls and consider using a group text or email for wider notifications.
Helpful details to record
The people and groups who should be contacted
Who will contact each person and by which method
Any wording, timing, or privacy preferences
Arrange Funeral/Memorial Service
Finalize and carry out the planned funeral, memorial, or celebration of life.
Where to begin
Work with your chosen funeral home to finalize arrangements. They will guide you through the process and handle most logistics.
Helpful details to record
The provider, venue, date, and primary contact
Decisions already made and decisions still outstanding
Participants, readings, music, flowers, donations, and reception details
Locate the Will
Find the deceased's will and notify the executor.
Where to begin
Check common locations: safe deposit boxes, home safes, filing cabinets, or with the deceased's attorney. The probate court may also have a copy on file.
Helpful details to record
Where the original and copies were found
The executor and attorney contact details
The date the executor was notified and any next appointment
Settle the Estate
Begin the probate process if necessary and manage the distribution of assets.
Where to begin
Consult with a probate attorney to understand your state's requirements. The executor should open an estate bank account and keep detailed records.
Helpful details to record
The executor, attorney, court, and case or file reference
Important deadlines and documents still needed
A high-level log of actions taken and upcoming steps
Notify Government Agencies
Contact Social Security, Veterans Affairs (if applicable), and other relevant agencies.
Where to begin
Start with Social Security (call or visit local office), then Medicare, Veterans Affairs if applicable, and the DMV. Keep death certificates handy.
Helpful details to record
Which agencies may need notification
The date, method, and confirmation reference for each notification
Any follow-up requested and its due date
Close Bank and Credit Accounts
Close or update ownership of bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts.
Where to begin
Visit banks with death certificate and letters testamentary. Call credit card companies to close accounts. Check for automatic payments that need redirecting.
Helpful details to record
Each institution and the type of account to review
The date contacted and the representative or case reference
Automatic payments, refunds, or balances requiring follow-up
Write and Publish Obituary
Draft and submit an obituary to newspapers or online platforms.
Where to begin
Gather key life details and a photo. Newspapers charge by length; online memorial sites are often free. Funeral homes can help with placement.
Helpful details to record
Key names, dates, relationships, achievements, and community details
Service information and preferred donation or memorial details
Where it will be published and who will approve the final text
Arrange for Pet Care
Ensure any pets are cared for according to the deceased's wishes.
Where to begin
Talk to family members or friends who might be willing to adopt. If no one is available, contact local animal rescue organizations or breed-specific rescues.
Helpful details to record
Each pet's caregiver and an alternate caregiver
Veterinarian, medications, food, routine, and behavior information
Where records, supplies, identification, and funding can be found
Manage Property and Belongings
Secure real estate, vehicles, and personal belongings.
Where to begin
Secure the property and change locks if needed. Create an inventory of valuables. Consider hiring an estate sale company for household items.
Helpful details to record
Properties, vehicles, valuable items, and their locations
Who has keys and who is responsible for securing each property
Insurance, utilities, maintenance, inventory, and distribution tasks
Settle Debts
Identify and pay off outstanding debts from the estate.
Where to begin
Request a credit report to identify all debts. Notify creditors of the death in writing. Note that not all debts pass to heirs - consult an attorney if unsure.
Helpful details to record
Known creditors and the type of debt
The date each creditor was contacted and any claim reference
Documents requested, deadlines, disputed items, and professional advice received
File Final Tax Returns
File the final income tax return for the deceased and any necessary estate taxes.
Where to begin
Consider working with a tax professional experienced with final and estate returns. Gather prior returns and financial records, but keep identity numbers in a secure location.
Helpful details to record
The tax professional and executor contact details
Which returns may be required and their filing deadlines
Where income records, prior returns, and filing confirmations are stored