It matters sooner than most people think. If you were in hospital tomorrow, your family might need to pay the mortgage, call your employer or look after the pets. Without a folder, they're left searching drawers and guessing passwords at the worst possible time.
What to include in an in case of death folder
Keep it to what your family would actually need in the first few weeks.
- People to contactClose family, your employer, solicitor, accountant or financial adviser, GP, and anyone who should hear early.
- Where your important documents areYour will, any Lasting Power of Attorney, house deeds, birth and marriage certificates, passports. Say where each one is kept, not just that it exists.
- Your homeMortgage or landlord, home insurance, and where the stopcock, fuse box and spare keys are.
- Money and loansWhich banks, savings, pensions, credit cards and loans you have, and who they're with. Providers only, not account numbers.
- InsuranceLife cover, income protection, health and pet insurance, and who each policy covers.
- Regular paymentsBills, subscriptions and direct debits, so your family knows what to keep paying and what to cancel.
- Children, dependants and petsSchools, GPs, medication, allergies, who should look after them and who helps day to day.
- Vehicles and other propertyFinance, insurance, keys, any rented-out property and the letting agent.
- Your digital lifeYour password manager and who has emergency access, your email, cloud storage and social media, and what you'd want done with each.
- Your wishesAnything you'd want your family to know, from funeral preferences to who should get a sentimental item.
What to leave out
A folder that sits in a drawer should never become a security risk.
- No passwords or PINs. Note your password manager and who has emergency access instead.
- No full card or account numbers. The provider's name is enough for your family to make contact.
- No original documents. Note where the originals are kept.
Could your family answer these? (free check)
Tick each one your family could answer today without asking you.
Couldn't tick them all? That's normal. The gaps are your to-do list.
Three ways to make one
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free template (for example Age UK's LifeBook) | Free | A few hours | People happy to work through blank pages |
| Printable binder or notebook | Varies | A few hours | People who prefer pen and paper |
| Family Handover Pack | £19.99 one-off | About 30–40 minutes | People who want it personalised and done in one sitting |
All three can work, but only one is built around your answers. Templates and binders give everyone the same blank pages. The Family Handover Pack turns what you tell it into a plan for your household: an action checklist of what your family should do first, and a list of the gaps you still need to fill. Whichever you choose, finish it and make sure your family knows where it is.
Where to keep it and who to tell
- Keep a printed copy somewhere safe but findable, such as with your important papers.
- Tell at least one trusted person where it is.
- Review it once a year, or after a big change such as a house move, new baby or new job.
The quick way: Family Handover Pack
Answer guided questions about your home, family and money, and get a personalised PDF in about 30–40 minutes. It includes a Read This First page, a People to Contact list, an Action Checklist and a list of anything still outstanding.
- £19.99, one-off payment
- No account, no subscription
- Your answers never leave your device
Common questions
Is an in case of death folder a legal document?
No. It's an organiser that tells your family where things are and who to contact. For a will or Lasting Power of Attorney, get proper advice.
Do I still need a will if I have a folder?
Yes. A will says who gets what. A folder helps your family find everything and get started. They work best together.
Should I put passwords in it?
No. Note which password manager you use and who has emergency access. Never write passwords or PINs in a paper folder.
Is it only for when someone dies?
No. It helps just as much if you're in hospital or unable to manage things for a while.
How often should I update it?
Once a year, and after big changes such as moving house, a new baby or a new job.
Does it work in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man?
Yes. The information your family needs is much the same everywhere. Some legal processes differ, so check local guidance for those.