← Back to blog

End-of-Life Planning Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Die

By CRYSTAL BAI •

End-of-Life Planning Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Die

The short answer: A complete end-of-life planning checklist covers: legal documents (will, trust, advance directive, POA), financial accounts, healthcare wishes, digital assets, funeral pre-planning, legacy projects, and important conversations with family. Starting early—before a health crisis—gives you the most options.

  • Will or trust: Who receives your assets? Who serves as executor or trustee?
  • Durable power of attorney (financial): Who manages your finances if you cannot?
  • Healthcare proxy / durable medical power of attorney: Who makes medical decisions if you cannot?
  • Advance directive / living will: What are your wishes regarding life-prolonging treatment, resuscitation, artificial nutrition?
  • POLST / MOLST: Medical order signed by a physician that travels with you across care settings.
  • Guardianship for minor children: Who will care for your children if you and your co-parent die?

Financial Preparation

  • List all bank and investment accounts with account numbers and access information
  • Review and update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance
  • Locate life insurance policies
  • Organize tax returns for past 3–5 years
  • Document regular bills and automatic payments
  • Locate deed/title to home, vehicles, and other property

Digital Assets

  • List all online accounts (email, social media, banking, subscriptions)
  • Provide passwords or password manager access to a trusted person
  • Decide what happens to each account after death (memorialization, deletion)
  • Social media legacy contact (Facebook, Google Inactive Account Manager)

Funeral and Disposition Pre-Planning

  • Burial or cremation preference
  • Funeral home preference (consider pre-paying)
  • Memorial service wishes (readings, music, attendees, location)
  • Organ donation registration
  • Body donation to medical school (if desired)

Legacy Projects

  • Record or write life stories for family
  • Create letters for future milestones (graduations, marriages)
  • Ethical will / legacy letter
  • Organize and label family photographs
  • Identify and preserve meaningful heirlooms

Important Conversations

  • Tell your healthcare proxy your values and wishes in detail
  • Tell your family where to find documents
  • Have a conversation about what a good death looks like to you
  • Address any unresolved relationships or unfinished business

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I do end-of-life planning?

Now. End-of-life planning is appropriate for any adult at any age. Accidents, sudden illness, and unexpected events happen at all ages. At minimum, complete a healthcare proxy and advance directive as soon as you are a legal adult.

How do I store my end-of-life documents?

Keep originals in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Give copies to your healthcare proxy, executor, and primary physician. Tell your family where originals are stored. Some states have advance directive registries where you can file electronically.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will goes through probate (court process) and becomes public record. A trust can avoid probate, is private, and can transfer assets more quickly. For complex estates or privacy-concerned individuals, a trust is often recommended. An estate attorney can advise based on your situation.

Can a death doula help with end-of-life planning?

Yes. Advance care planning facilitation is one of a death doula's core services—helping you clarify your values, understand your options, complete documents, and have important conversations with family. Think of it as a guided process rather than a paperwork task.

Renidy connects grieving families with compassionate death doulas and AI-powered funeral planning tools. Try our free AI funeral planner or find a death doula near you.