15 key pieces of information to include in your “life folder”

Having your affairs in order could provide valuable support to your loved ones if you become incapacitated or pass away. Yet too often, it isn’t seen as a priority.

In fact, according to the National Will Register, nearly half of UK adults don’t have a will, while 53% have not discussed their estate with anyone at all.

Even if you have a will in place, your friends and family could still struggle to understand and honour your wishes, or manage your affairs, if you pass away.

A “life folder” could help you provide your loved ones with everything they need if the time comes.

Read on to learn more about how to create a life folder, who needs one, and 15 items you might wish to include to support your loved ones further down the line.

Preparing a life folder could prove hugely valuable to your loved ones

Although life folders are sometimes known as “in case of death” folders, they can also prove useful during your lifetime. If you lose mental capacity, either temporarily or permanently, a life folder could provide valuable information to help your loved ones tend to your medical and financial needs.

After you pass away, a life folder can be a vital resource to help your loved ones carry out your wishes and get your finances and other affairs in order. At a time when they will be grieving your loss, without a life folder they could end up spending weeks or even months searching for reference numbers, contact details, and account logins.

As a result, it can be beneficial for any adult to create a life folder. Regardless of your age, marital status, or financial circumstances, one day your life folder could provide valuable support to your nearest and dearest.

Additionally, research from the National Will Register suggests that 71% of people say they’re happy to have a conversation about what should happen after they die but are yet to do so. However, of those, over a quarter say their loved ones are unwilling to talk about it. So, creating a life folder could help communicate your wishes when a conversation isn’t possible.

Keep your life folder secure, but in a location known to loved ones

Your life folder can be digital, a physical binder of paper documents, or a combination of the two. To help you get started, you may wish to buy a purpose-built folder or download a template.

Crucially, your folder should be kept secure. In the wrong hands, the detailed information and documentation in a life folder could be misused, so it’s vital to protect it – whether by keeping it physically locked away or using strong digital passwords.

It’s also important to ensure the right people know where to find it, should they need it. You might wish to share the location with multiple trusted people.

Set aside time to create and update your life folder

Finding time to create your life folder isn’t always easy, especially if you’re already juggling a long to-do list and a busy schedule. So, it might be worth blocking off some time in advance.

If you have a partner, it can be beneficial to create your folder together to make sure you have everything covered and are both in agreement on any wishes or instructions.

Once your folder is complete, it’s important to regularly update it as the information changes. If you’re worried you might forget to update it as you go, set regular reminders to do a full annual review.

15 items to include in your life folder

The specific information and documentation you should include in your life folder will be personal to you and depend on your circumstances. Here are some key areas for you to consider.

1. Medical information

Your NHS number, doctor contact information, organ donor status, and details of any medication, illnesses, and allergies, as well as details of any advance directives specifying your treatment preferences.

2. Personal documentation

Your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver’s license, and National Insurance number.

3. Childcare

Details of guardianship arrangements, school or nursery contact details, the child’s passport and birth certificate, their NHS number, and details of any healthcare needs or allergies.

4. Pets

Details of guardianship arrangements, care instructions, vet contact details, microchip numbers, vaccination records, and insurance policy details.

5. Work

Contact details for HR or management, your workplace address, and device logins.

6. Finances

Details of any bank accounts, credit cards, direct debits, pension funds, investments, trusts, loans, or other debts.

7. State benefits

Details of any benefits you receive, such as Child Benefit or the State Pension.

8. Insurance policies

Details of all existing policies, including life cover, income protection, and critical illness cover, as well as buildings, contents, and health insurance.

9. Household bills

Account details for water, energy, and broadband suppliers, as well as Council Tax and TV licence reference numbers.

10. Accounts and services

Device passcodes, login details for any accounts or subscriptions, and contact details for regular home services such as gardeners or window cleaners.

11. Vehicle details

Your car or van’s registration number, Vehicle Tax record, MOT due date, insurance details, spare keys, and details of any finance arrangements if you don’t own your vehicle outright.

12. Property

Addresses for your home and any other properties you own, details of any mortgages, landlords, or tenants, as well as title deeds, lease agreements, and spare keys.

13. Contact details

Phone numbers or email addresses for anyone who might need to be notified of your illness or passing, including friends, family, clubs, or volunteering contacts.

14. Estate documents

Location of your will, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and any advance decision documents, as well as contact details for your solicitor, accountant, and financial planner.

15. Funeral instructions

Any wishes to be honoured at your funeral, such as music choices, preferences for the service, and whether you wish to be buried or cremated.

Additionally, you might wish to include instructions for any sentimental items not listed in your will, letters to loved ones, photographs, or other mementoes you wish to leave behind.

Remember to register a valid will

While a life folder provides a valuable collection of important items, it is not a substitute for legally binding documentation. By registering a will, you can help ensure your beneficiaries receive their intended inheritance and your wishes are honoured after you’re gone.

Depending on your circumstances, estate planning can be a complex exercise, so it’s important to ensure your will is clear, detailed, and kept up to date as time passes.

Find out how I can help

For support with estate planning, email Marnel.Stafford@fosterdenovo.com, or call 07305 970959 or 0207 469 2800, to find out more about how I can help you.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, trusts, or will writing.