Free checklist
The family emergency binder checklist
Everything a family runs on, in 12 sections: 130 documents and details worth having in one place, for the everyday questions and for the day someone else has to step in. Print it, check off what you have, and note where each original is kept.
Identity & family records
Proof of who everyone is and how they're related.
- Birth certificate Essential
- Social Security card Essential
- Passport
- Passport card
- Driver's license / state ID
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Prenuptial / postnuptial agreement
- Child custody agreement
- Adoption records
- Citizenship / naturalization
- Green card / visa
- Legal name change
- Military service record (DD-214)
- Military / VA ID
- Trusted traveler (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck)
- Death certificate
Will & estate
The legal documents that speak for you when you can't.
- Last will & testament Essential
- Revocable living trust
- Financial power of attorney Essential
- Healthcare power of attorney Essential
- Living will / advance directive Essential
- DNR / POLST order
- Guardianship designation for minors
- Beneficiary designations summary Essential
- Pre-paid funeral / preneed contract
- Cemetery plot / columbarium deed
- Letter to loved ones
- HIPAA authorization
Insurance
Every policy, who it covers, and how to file a claim.
- Life insurance Essential
- Health insurance Essential
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Disability insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Homeowners insurance Essential
- Renters insurance
- Flood / earthquake insurance
- Auto insurance Essential
- Umbrella insurance
- Pet insurance
- Identity theft protection
- Travel insurance
- Business insurance
Money & accounts
Where the money is, what's owed, and what gets paid automatically.
- Checking account
- Savings account / CD
- Credit card
- Brokerage / investment account
- 401(k) / 403(b) / 457
- IRA / Roth IRA
- Pension
- Annuity
- HSA / FSA
- 529 / college savings
- Stock options / RSUs
- Cryptocurrency
- Safe deposit box
- Personal loan / line of credit
- Student loan
- Recurring bill / autopay
- Tax return
- Social Security benefits (my SSA account)
- Child support / alimony
Home & property
Ownership, mortgages, utilities, and upkeep.
- Deed Essential
- Mortgage / HELOC
- Closing / settlement statement
- Lease / rental agreement
- Property tax
- HOA
- Utility account
- Home warranty
- Appliance / product warranty
- Home improvement / permit
- Home maintenance guide
- Security system
- Storage unit
- Home inventory
- Keys, safes & codes
Vehicles
Titles, registrations, loans, and service history.
- Vehicle title Essential
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle loan
- Vehicle lease
- Vehicle bill of sale
- Service history
- Extended warranty / service contract
- Roadside assistance
Health
Medical records, medications, and care wishes.
- Medical history summary
- Medications
- Allergies
- Vaccination records
- Medical records / test results
- Patient portal
- Medicare card
- Medicaid card
- Eyeglass / contact prescription
- Organ donor registration
- Care plan / therapy
Digital life
Devices, accounts, and what should happen to them.
- Password manager emergency access Essential
- Phone / computer / tablet
- Email account
- Social media account
- Subscription
- Cloud photos & files
- Domain / website
- Two-factor recovery codes
Work & education
Employment, benefits, credentials, and business records.
- Employment & benefits
- Diploma / degree
- Transcript
- Professional license / certification
- Résumé
- Operating agreement / bylaws
- Buy-sell / succession plan
- Formation documents & EIN letter
Pets
Care records and who takes them if you can't.
- Veterinary records Essential
- Pet license / microchip registration
- Pet care plan
Everyday life
The little things you look up every week, and that nobody else knows.
- Wi-Fi network
- Paint colors & finishes
- House routines & chores
- Babysitter & house-sitter guide
- School & activities
- Sizes & favorites
- Memberships & rewards numbers
Memories & wishes
The things that can't be replaced.
- Family photos & videos
- Heirlooms & valuables
- Family recipes
- Family history & tree
- Important dates
- Collectibles / art
- Other document