Guide · US edition · Updated 2026-10-29

End-of-Life Planning Checklist: Get Your Affairs in Order

"Getting your affairs in order" sounds like something for the very old or very ill. In practice, it's a handful of tasks that any adult can do, and that spare a family enormous stress. Here they are, in a sensible order.

1. The legal documents (with an attorney or reputable service)

☐ A will. Names an executor and, for parents, a guardian for minor children.
☐ A financial (durable) power of attorney. Someone who can manage money if you can't.
☐ A health care power of attorney (proxy). Someone who can make medical decisions if you can't.
☐ An advance directive / living will. Your wishes about medical treatment. Forms are free and state-specific.
☐ A trust, if an attorney recommends one for your situation.

2. The money housekeeping

☐ Check beneficiaries on every retirement account and life insurance policy.
☐ Consider payable-on-death designations on bank accounts.
☐ Make sure at least one trusted person could pay your bills in an emergency.

3. The map for your family

☐ A life binder: contacts, accounts (last 4 only), insurance, bills, documents.
☐ A password plan and digital legacy settings.
☐ A letter of instruction.

4. Final wishes

☐ Burial, cremation or another option
☐ Type of service, music, readings, who should speak
☐ Organ donation decision (registered with your state, often via the DMV)
☐ Where donations should go instead of flowers
☐ Anything you definitely don't want

5. The conversations

☐ Tell your executor and health care agent they've been named, and where the documents are.
☐ Talk to your family about your medical wishes.
☐ Tell one or two people where your binder is.

6. Keep it current

Review once a year and after marriage, divorce, a birth, a death, a move or retirement.

General information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state.

The Just-In-Case Life Binder covers steps 2 through 6 in a printable organizer and spreadsheet, and gives you a clear list to bring to an attorney for step 1.

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