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9 guides from the Journal about documents.
Explainers9 min read
A letter you leave for after your death is usually not legally binding and can't replace a will. Wills must meet formal rules that vary by place, such as signatures and witnesses. Handwritten wills are accepted in some places, so a letter that reads like one can cause disputes. Use a will for legal decisions and letters for love, memories and wishes.
Practical9 min read
A letter of wishes is a private, usually non-binding letter that sits alongside your will and tells your executors, trustees or guardians how you'd like things handled: who should get personal items, how a trust should be used, how your children should be raised. In the US the closest equivalent is often called a letter of instruction.
Practical10 min read
The safest way to pass on passwords is not to hand over a list but to leave one way in: set up emergency access or a recovery kit for your password manager, keep a sealed paper note saying where it is, and tell your executor how to find it. Don't write passwords into your will, which can become a public document.
Practical8 min read
In the first 48 hours, get a medical certificate, tell close family, contact a funeral director, look for a will and secure the home. In the first week, register the death or order death certificates and start notifying people; in the first month, deal with banks, insurers, subscriptions, online accounts and probate.
Travel6 min read
Before a long or remote trip, leave one person a living itinerary and an agreed check-in rhythm, keep copies of your passport, insurance and medical details where you both can reach them, and adjust or pause any check-in service so patchy signal doesn't set it off.
Practical6 min read
A good executor is organised, calm, trusted by your family, likely to outlive you, and has actually agreed to do it. Ask them in person, give them time to think, and leave them a clear record of where your will, accounts and wishes are.
Practical7 min read
Keep originals of your will, deeds and certificates somewhere safe and known, list your banks, pensions, insurers and key contacts in one place, and tell your executor and one backup person where that list lives, without handing over passwords before they are needed.
Health7 min read
Before major surgery, sort out the practical things a few days ahead (lifts, medication list, someone to update family), note where your will is and who can make decisions for you, and pause any check-in service so nothing is sent while you recover.
Explainers8 min read
Digital estate planning means listing your online accounts, turning on each platform's legacy settings, recording what should happen to each account, and naming someone to carry it out. In most US states, RUFADAA gives a platform's own legacy tool priority over your will, and your will priority over the terms of service.
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