A digital legacy checklist your family can use
Record what exists, where to find the information, your wishes and the appropriate next step. Keep passwords and recovery secrets out of the inventory.
Written by Rillora · Updated 16 October 2026Record the matter and its location
Choose one important account, document, device, subscription or financial matter. Write the provider or institution and a useful location hint. A file location or a masked identifier can be enough; avoid putting full credentials into the record.
Separate your wishes from permission
Describe what you would like someone to do and where they should look for the appropriate process. Knowing that an account exists, having permission to act, accessing the account and transferring ownership are separate steps. Your map does not replace a will, provider requirements or legal advice for your circumstances.
Choose the person and the information
Decide who needs to see each matter and how much detail helps them. Check their view before sharing. Someone who only needs to know that a document exists does not necessarily need its contents or the details of your other matters.
Try the map, then keep it current
Ask a trusted person whether the selected information tells them where to start, without sending them passwords. Review the map after an account, document location or relationship changes. A missed sign-in is not evidence of death and should not release information automatically.
Example: an insurance document
A fictional record could say: “Home insurance; policy document in the household files; ask the insurer about the appropriate claim process.” Share that record with the person who needs it. This points them towards the next step without promising that they can access or claim the policy.