Key Takeaways
- 1Preparing your family means organizing documents, accounts, assets, contacts, and instructions so loved ones can manage practical responsibilities.
- 2Families often need organized information first — not just financial assets — to answer urgent questions after a death.
- 3Eight practical steps cover documents, finances, insurance, digital accounts, digital assets, contacts, instructions, and discoverability.
- 4Review your preparation at least annually and after major life events.
Family Preparedness Checklist
Review the following areas. If several items are incomplete, your family may face unnecessary confusion when information is needed:
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