Death Binder
Updated October 11, 2026
A death binder is a simple folder of information your family will need after you die: where things are, who to call, and what you want. It sounds grim. In practice, it is one of the kindest things you can leave behind.
What goes in a death binder
- A list of people to call, in order
- Bank, retirement, and insurance accounts
- Debts, bills, and subscriptions
- Passwords or where to find them
- Where the will, deeds, and titles are kept
- Medical and funeral wishes
- Care plans for pets and dependents
Why people put it off
Blank notebooks are hard to start. You do not know what to write, so you write nothing. A fill-in death binder fixes that: every page asks one clear question, and you answer it.
What makes this one different
It includes an executor's checklist. Most binders stop at your information. This one also tells the person handling things what to do in the first 24 hours, the first week, the first month, and the first year.
It is a fillable PDF, so you can update it as accounts change, and print a fresh copy anytime.
The In Case I Die Binder: Simple Fill-In Edition · 46-page fillable PDF · US Letter
Get the Binder nowType on your computer or print and write. Yours to keep and re-print.
Questions
Where should I keep a death binder?
Somewhere safe that one or two trusted people know about, such as a home safe or a labeled drawer. Keep a digital copy too.
Should I include passwords?
You can write hints or the location of a password manager instead of the passwords themselves.
How often should I update it?
Once a year, or after a move, marriage, new account, or new baby.
Free: The First 7 Days After a Death checklist
A calm, 2-page printable checklist. Day by day, what to do and what can wait.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.