Most people insure their home and save for retirement. However, most of us would struggle to quickly find important information that we store at home if something unexpected happened.

A family emergency folder is a secure place to keep the documents and information you and your loved ones may need in a crisis.

This could be:

• because of an urgent need to leave your home, such as flooding;
• because you lose capacity and are not able to make decisions for yourself; or
• in the event of someone’s death.

It can save time for everyone who needs access to such information, reduce stress and help ensure your wishes are followed.

What is a family emergency folder?

It could be a physical folder with paper documents, a digital folder you save online or both. It should not contain everything, but should clearly point people to where information is stored. Wherever you store your information, make sure that the trusted people who need access to it know where it is.

The 10 things every family emergency folder should contain

1. Your will

If you have a will, make sure that your loved ones, particularly anyone you have appointed as an executor, know that you have one and where it is stored. Otherwise, if no-one can find your will, you will have died ‘intestate’ and your wishes may not be honoured.

If you don’t yet have a will, this article about things to consider when writing your will can help you get started.

Where to store your will

You might include a paper copy of your will in your emergency folder. If you have chosen a solicitor or will writer to store it, you can simply make a note of this and include their contact details. The HM Courts and Tribunal Service can also store your will for a relatively small fee.

2. Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to nominate someone you trust, called an attorney, to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. In England and Wales there are two types of LPAs: one for health and welfare matters, and another for property and financial affairs.

Find out more about getting an LPA

In Scotland, you can make a Continuing Power of Attorney and in Northern Ireland, an Enduring Power of Attorney. You can read more about these here for Scotland and here for Northern Ireland.

3. A finances list, such as bank accounts, savings and trusts

It will help your loved ones to deal with your affairs if you can give them a list of any current accounts, savings accounts, ISAs, Premium Bonds, shares or trusts that you have.

You do not necessarily need account numbers in the folder. A list of institutions and account locations is often sufficient.

4. Pension information

From April 2027, pensions will be included in calculations for inheritance tax for the first time. It’s therefore very important that you include details of any workplace or personal pensions you have, along with any death benefits your employer might have provided.

5. Insurance policies

Your loved ones will need to know the details of any policies you hold, such as:

• life insurance;
• income protection;
• critical illness cover; and
• home insurance.

6. Property information

Whether you rent or own your home, make sure the folder includes details like your contact details for your mortgage provider and the location of title documents, along with details of any second homes or rental properties.

7. Digital accounts, assets and devices

Keep a secure and safe record of information of your digital assets and important information that’s stored online, such as:

• email accounts;
• social media;
• cloud storage;
• password managers or
• other digital assets, such as cryptocurrency wallets.

Find out how to set up your digital accounts so that your loved ones can access them if you’re not able to.

8. Key professional contacts

You can create a simple list of any professionals who have helped you manage your money and assets, such as your:

• solicitor;
• accountant;
• financial advisor;
• trustee; or
• business advisor.

9. Your wishes and practical information

You can help give your loved ones peace of mind and save them time looking for important information by listing:

• your funeral preferences;
• people to notify after you die; and
• any care arrangements for dependants or pets.

10. Business interests (if relevant)

If you or your family run a business, you will need to keep a record of the key documents needed to keep the business operating.

This would include documents such as:

• business ownership;
• shareholdings;
• partnership agreements and
• key contacts.

How often should you review your folder?

It would be helpful to review it annually, and also after:

• marriage or divorce;
• the birth of a child or grandchild;
• moving house and
• making a new will or LPA.

What should not go in the folder?

Make sure that anything you store in the folder is secure.

It is not a good idea to store:

• unsecured lists of passwords;
• large quantities of sensitive personal data; and
• original documents that should be stored professionally elsewhere.

Having a family emergency folder is one of the simplest ways to make life easier for the people you care about. It won’t prevent difficult circumstances, but it can reduce delays and unnecessary stress at a time when your family may need clarity most.

Every family’s situation is different. A STEP qualified trust and estate practitioner can help ensure your will, powers of attorney and wider plans are up to date and work together effectively. Use the Find a TEP directory to find an advisor near you.