This article is the template itself: six sections that you can copy or print out and fill in – and the family folder is done. The reasoning behind it is explained in the folder article; here, we'll simply get to work.
- Six sections: insurance policies, finances, where documents are kept, contacts, wishes, people to notify.
- You don't have to fill it in all at once — it comes together section by section, at your own pace.
- NEVER write passwords in it — only note what exists and where it can be found.
Sections 1–2: insurance policies and finances
- Funeral expense insurance insurer's name · policy number · sum insured · beneficiary · where the policy is kept
- Other life and accident insurance policies with the same details
- Broker's contact details name · phone · email
- Bank accounts bank's name · type of account (sole/joint) · whether there is a death benefit instruction
- Savings, securities provider · type · approximate purpose
- Regular commitments utilities, subscriptions, insurance policies – what is paid from where
Sections 3–4: documents and contacts
- Where personal documents are kept ID card, passport, address card, social security card, tax card, birth/marriage certificate
- Where property and vehicle documents are kept title deed, sale contract, vehicle registration certificate, vehicle logbook
- Will if there is one: where it is kept, who knows about it – don't write its contents here
- Burial plot documents if there is an existing plot: the purchase document, cemetery, plot number
- Contact details of key people GP · notary/solicitor (if any) · clergy (if relevant) · an important neighbour/friend
Sections 5–6: wishes and people to notify
- The form of the farewell burial / cremation / no preference – and anything else that matters
- Location and character where, a small or a larger circle, religious or secular
- Personal requests music, flowers, anything that matters to you – free text
- List of people to notify name · relationship · contact details – the people the family can reach out to
- A sentence for the family if you would like to leave one – not required, but it can mean a great deal
Tips for filling it in and keeping it up to date
You don't have to do it all in one sitting: it can come together section by section, even over several weeks. Never write a password or PIN in it – only note what exists and where it can be accessed (for example: "in the password manager, X has access"). At least two people should know where the finished folder is kept. And once a year – the insurance anniversary is a good occasion – take ten minutes to look it over: whatever has changed gets updated. That's all it takes: one quiet afternoon that will one day be the family's greatest help.
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