The executor handover checklist
The pile an executor has to assemble, written as a list you can fill in now so they are not phoning strangers for months.
Documents
- Original signed will — exact location
- Attorney who drafted it: name and number
- Trust documents and trustee
- Birth, marriage and divorce records
- Military discharge papers
- Social Security number and benefits received
Financial map
Institutions and account nicknames only. Never passwords.
- Banks and credit unions
- Brokerage and retirement accounts, with named beneficiaries
- Pensions, including from past employers
- Life insurance, including union, employer and credit card policies
- Mortgages, loans and credit cards
- Property deeds and vehicle titles
- Safe deposit boxes and key locations
- Business interests and partnership agreements
People to notify
- Attorney
- Accountant
- Financial advisor
- Insurance agents
- Employer or HR
- Social Security and pension administrators
- Friends and relatives who should hear it from a person
Practical
- House keys, car keys, alarm codes and passphrase
- Subscriptions and recurring payments to cancel
- Pet care instructions
- Funeral wishes and anything prepaid
- Digital accounts and any nominated legacy contact
- Letter of instruction, in plain language
The thinking behind this list is in What an executor actually needs, and where to leave it.