5 Documents Every Family Should Have Organized

The Documents That Matter Most

When a crisis hits, scrambling for paperwork is the last thing your family should worry about. Having these five documents organized and accessible can save weeks of stress and prevent costly mistakes.

1. Last Will and Testament

A will is the foundation of any estate plan. It specifies how your assets should be distributed, names guardians for minor children, and designates an executor to carry out your wishes.

Key tips:

2. Power of Attorney (POA)

A power of attorney authorizes someone to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. There are two main types:

Without a POA, your family may need to go through costly court proceedings to manage your affairs.

3. Life Insurance Policies

Life insurance provides financial security for your dependents. Make sure your family knows:

4. Property Deeds and Titles

Whether it's your home, car, or other property, your family needs to know where to find ownership documents. This includes:

5. Financial Account Information

Create a comprehensive list of all financial accounts:

How to Store These Documents Safely

The best approach combines physical and digital storage:

1. Physical originals: Keep in a fireproof safe or with your attorney

2. Digital copies: Upload to a secure platform with encryption

3. Access instructions: Share with your executor and trusted contacts

4. Regular updates: Review annually and after major life changes

Legacy Plans lets you upload, organize, and securely share all these documents with designated family members — ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.