Helps the Executor Start
The person helping your estate can find the will, attorney contact, and key records more quickly.
End-of-Life Preparation Guide
Executor Instructions & Document Locations
Clear executor instructions and document locations can help the person you trust know where to begin, who to contact, and where important papers are kept.
This page is for general organization only. Executor duties and estate rules can vary by state, family situation, and legal document. Speak with a qualified attorney for legal guidance.
What this page helps you do
- Name the person who may help settle affairs
- List where important documents are stored
- Record attorney and professional contacts
- Organize first steps for loved ones
- Prepare a printable instruction worksheet
Plain-English Explanation
What are executor instructions?
Executor instructions are notes that help guide the person who may be responsible for carrying out final wishes, locating important papers, communicating with professionals, and helping settle an estate.
These notes do not replace a legal will, trust, power of attorney, or attorney guidance. They are meant to make things easier by explaining where documents are kept, who should be contacted, and what information may need attention.
A loved one may know they were named executor, but still not know where the will is located, which attorney prepared it, where insurance policies are kept, or which accounts and agencies may need to be reviewed.
Why It Matters
Good instructions can reduce stress and confusion.
The days and weeks after a death can be emotional and overwhelming. Clear document locations and contact notes can help loved ones take the next steps with less guesswork.
Protects Important Papers
Documents are less likely to be lost, overlooked, or hidden in drawers, boxes, email folders, or file cabinets.
Gives Loved Ones Direction
Family members can better understand who should be contacted and where to look first.
Information to Gather
What to include in executor instructions
These notes can help your executor or trusted person locate key information without searching through everything during a difficult time.
Executor Name
Name, phone number, email, and backup person if your first choice cannot serve.
Will or Trust Location
Where original legal documents are kept, including any safe, folder, attorney office, or storage location.
Attorney Contact
Estate planning attorney, elder law attorney, or other professional who prepared or reviewed documents.
Financial Records
General locations of bank records, retirement files, insurance policies, tax records, and property documents.
Household Information
Mortgage or rent records, utility contacts, home insurance, vehicle records, safe deposit box notes, and keys.
First-Step Notes
People to notify, documents to locate, professional contacts to call, and any special family instructions.
Important Reminder
Tell someone where the instructions are kept.
Executor instructions are only helpful if the right person can find them. Keep the notes in a safe but known place, and make sure a trusted person understands where to look.
Avoid leaving sensitive information unsecured. You can list document locations and professional contacts without writing down full account numbers, passwords, or private login details in an unsafe place.
Printable Worksheet
Executor Instructions & Document Locations Worksheet
Use this worksheet to organize executor notes, important document locations, professional contacts, and first-step reminders for loved ones.
Executor Instructions & Document Locations Worksheet
Use this worksheet to help a trusted person know where important documents are kept and who to contact.
1. Basic Information
Full legal name:
Date updated:
Trusted person who knows where this worksheet is kept:
Main storage location for this worksheet:
2. Executor or Personal Representative
First choice name:
Phone / email:
Backup choice name:
Phone / email:
3. Legal Document Locations
Original will location:
Trust document location, if applicable:
Power of attorney document location:
Advance directive / healthcare proxy location:
Funeral or burial instructions location:
4. Attorney and Professional Contacts
Estate attorney name:
Phone / email:
Accountant or tax preparer:
Phone / email:
Financial advisor:
Phone / email:
Insurance agent:
Phone / email:
5. Financial and Property Document Locations
Bank records location:
Retirement account records location:
Life insurance policy location:
Property deed, mortgage, or lease records location:
Vehicle title and insurance records location:
Tax records location:
6. Household and Personal Information
Home keys, safe key, or lockbox location:
Safe deposit box information, if applicable:
Utility or household account notes:
Pet care instructions, if applicable:
Important personal items or keepsakes location:
7. First Steps for Loved Ones
- Locate the original will or estate documents.
- Contact the attorney or professional listed above.
- Notify close family members or trusted contacts.
- Ask what documents are needed before taking action.
- Keep copies of important paperwork and notes.
8. Additional Notes
Special instructions:
People who should be contacted:
Questions for attorney or professional:
Other notes:
Reminder: This worksheet is for organization only. It is not a legal document and does not replace legal advice.
Common Questions
Executor Instructions & Document Locations FAQ
Are executor instructions the same as a will?
No. Executor instructions are organization notes. A will is a legal document. These notes can help someone find documents and contacts, but they do not replace a properly prepared legal document.
Should the executor know where the original will is kept?
Yes. The original will may be important after death. A trusted person should know where it is stored or which attorney or office may have it.
Should I include passwords on this worksheet?
Be careful with passwords and private account information. This worksheet is mainly for document locations and contact notes. Sensitive login information should be stored securely.
How often should document locations be reviewed?
It is helpful to review this information after major life changes, moving, changing attorneys, opening or closing accounts, updating legal documents, or changing who you trust to help.