What to Put in a Death Binder (The Complete List)
A death binder — sometimes called a “when I die” binder, an “in case of death” binder, or a final wishes file — is one organized place that holds everything your family would need if something happened to you. It sounds grim; it’s actually one of the kindest, most practical things you can leave behind. Here’s exactly what belongs in it.
1. Personal information
The basics someone will need to fill out forms: your full legal name, date and place of birth, address, and where your Social Security card and ID documents are kept. (Note where — don’t write the number itself.)
2. Key contacts
The people to call first: closest family, plus your executor, attorney, financial advisor, doctor, employer, and anyone who has a key to your home. Names and phone numbers.
3. Important documents — and their location
A checklist of what exists and where to find it: will, trust, power of attorney, advance directive, birth and marriage certificates, passport, property deeds, vehicle titles, mortgage papers, life insurance policy, military discharge (DD-214), and the location of any safe or safe-deposit box.
4. Financial accounts
Every bank, retirement, and investment account by institution and type — plus property, debts, and where the details can be found. Do not write full account numbers or online passwords in the binder. Point to your password manager or a secured location instead.
5. Insurance and benefits
Life, health, auto, and home policies with the company and where the paperwork is, plus Social Security, pension, employer benefits, and any veterans’ benefits your family can claim.
6. Digital life
Your primary email, where your passwords are stored, and what to do with each online account — close, memorialize, or keep. List subscriptions to cancel so they stop billing.
7. Medical information
Blood type, allergies, current medications (or where the list lives), your doctor and pharmacy, and your care directives — advance directive location, healthcare proxy, and organ-donor wishes.
8. Final wishes
Burial or cremation, the service you’d want, music and readings you love, and how you’d like to be remembered. The questions only you can answer.
9. A message to the people you love
Optional, but often the page families treasure most — a few words, a thank-you, a hope for them.
Keep it secure
A death binder is powerful precisely because it’s complete — which also makes it sensitive. Store it somewhere safe (a locked drawer or fireproof box), record where secrets are kept rather than the secrets themselves, and tell exactly one trusted person where the binder is.
If you’d rather not build one from scratch, the Final Wishes & Life Organizer is a ready-made, fill-in death binder — all nine sections above as printable pages, designed for privacy, with a step-by-step checklist for whoever is holding it.
Keep reading: End-of-Life Planning Checklist · How to Write a Letter of Instruction · Estate Planning Checklist.
This is general guidance, not legal or financial advice — for estate decisions, consult a qualified attorney or advisor.
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