End of Life Checklist for Australians: What to Tell Your Family
The most helpful thing you can do for your family is make sure they know where everything is and what you want. When someone dies, relatives often spend weeks searching for papers and passwords while they are grieving. A simple checklist, kept up to date, removes most of that stress.
Use the list below as a starting point. Rules differ between states and territories, so speak to a solicitor or your state authority about legal documents.
1. Your will and legal documents
- Where your will is kept, and the name of the solicitor or executor who holds a copy
- Enduring power of attorney, and who your attorney is
- Advance care directive or medical treatment wishes, and who has a copy
- Any guardianship or trust documents
Names for these documents vary by state, so use the terms on your own paperwork.
2. Money and property
- Bank accounts, credit cards, loans and which institutions hold them
- Superannuation fund details and any nominated beneficiary
- Life, income protection, home and car insurance, with policy numbers and contacts
- Investments, shares and business interests
- Property deeds, rates notices and mortgage details
Write down where each item is, not your passwords or PINs. See the digital life section below.
3. Bills and regular payments
- Utilities, phone, internet and streaming subscriptions
- Car registration, memberships and recurring donations
- Anything that renews automatically and may need cancelling
4. Digital life
- Email, social media and cloud accounts, and what you would like done with them
- A way for your family to access your device and password manager, such as a trusted person who knows where the recovery details are kept
- Photos stored on phones, computers and online services
5. People to contact
- Close family and friends who should be told first
- Your employer, doctor, accountant and any carers
- Clubs, faith or community groups you belong to
6. Your funeral and memorial wishes
- Burial or cremation, and any funeral director or pre-paid plan
- The tone and place of your service
- Music, readings, photos and speakers you would like
- Flowers, donations and any cultural or religious customs
7. Personal wishes
- Who should care for pets
- Items you would like particular people to have
- Messages or letters you would like to leave for loved ones
Where to keep your checklist
A folder in a filing cabinet works until the key goes missing or the folder is out of date. Whatever you choose, make sure at least one trusted person knows how to find it, and review it once a year or after a major change such as a new home, job or relationship.
A secure online space can help because it can be updated at any time and shared with the people you choose. Lifebook Memories lets you record where documents are, add your wishes and give access to the people you trust.
Common questions
Should I store my passwords in the checklist? It is safer to record where your password manager or recovery details are kept and who can access them, rather than listing passwords in plain text.
Does this checklist replace a will? No. A will is a legal document. This checklist helps your family find your legal documents and understand your wishes. Lifebook Memories is not a legal service.
How often should I update it? Once a year is a good habit, and whenever something important changes.
Organise your information with Lifebook Memories
See how Lifebook Memories works at lifebookmemories.com, record your wishes and tell your family where everything is, so they are not left searching.