Executor Folder Template: Sections to Include

Why use an executor folder template

An executor folder template removes the guesswork from preparing information for your executor. Instead of starting with a blank page and wondering what to include, a template provides clear sections and prompts that guide you through each category. This ensures you do not forget important areas — like digital accounts, household utility information, or specific personal wishes — that might not occur to you without prompting. A template also makes it easier for your executor to navigate because they can expect a consistent structure. Whether you choose a physical binder or a digital tool, a well-designed template is the foundation of effective executor preparation.

Section 1 — Account notes

The account notes section is where you list the financial and digital accounts your executor will need to know about and manage. For each account, include the institution or platform name, the type of account (checking, savings, investment, retirement, email, subscription, social media, etc.), any reference or account number that helps identify it, and clear instructions for what your executor should do with it — close it, transfer it, keep it active, or download content. If you use a password manager, note where the credentials are stored. Do not list passwords in this section. The goal is to give your executor a complete inventory of your accounts with enough context to act on each one.

• Bank and credit union accounts — checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit
• Investment and brokerage accounts — taxable accounts, retirement accounts, education savings plans
• Credit cards — include all open cards, even if not actively used
• Digital accounts — email, social media, cloud storage, photo services, streaming subscriptions
• Utility and service accounts — electric, gas, water, internet, phone, waste disposal
• Insurance accounts — life, health, home, auto, umbrella liability, long-term care
• Membership and subscription services — gyms, clubs, professional organizations, software subscriptions
• Loan accounts — mortgage, auto loans, personal loans, student loans

Section 2 — Document locations

The document locations section helps your executor find the official paperwork they will need. For each document, record the exact physical location — which room, which drawer, which folder — or the digital location if stored electronically. Include any relevant file names or reference numbers. This section is especially important because legal documents like wills and trusts are often stored separately from everyday papers. Your executor may need to locate these documents before they can take certain actions, so precise location information is critical.

• Will and any codicils or amendments — include the location and the name of the attorney who prepared them
• Trust documents — revocable living trust, irrevocable trusts, and any amendments
• Insurance policies — life, health, home, auto, umbrella liability, long-term care
• Property deeds and vehicle titles
• Marriage certificate, divorce decrees, birth certificates, citizenship documents
• Tax returns — federal and state returns for the past three to seven years
• Safe deposit box — location, box number, who has access, and where the key is kept
• Digital document storage — cloud services, external drives, or other locations where digital copies are stored

Section 3 — Trusted contacts

This section lists the professionals and family members your executor may need to contact. Include full names, phone numbers, email addresses, firm or organization names, and a brief note about each person's role. Your executor may need to coordinate with multiple professionals — especially in the early stages — so having current contact information readily available reduces stress and prevents delays.

• Estate attorney — name, firm, phone, email, and any client reference or matter number
• Accountant or tax preparer — name, firm, phone, email, and notes about ongoing tax obligations
• Financial advisor — name, firm, phone, email, and a list of accounts they manage
• Insurance agent — name, agency, phone, email, and policies they service
• Family members who should be notified — adult children, siblings, close friends
• Employer or business partners — HR contact, business attorney, key partners

Section 4 — Personal wishes

Beyond accounts and documents, your executor will benefit from knowing your personal wishes. This section is where you record guidance that helps your executor make decisions aligned with your preferences. It covers areas that may not be addressed in your legal documents but are important for honoring your intentions. Taking time to record these wishes gives your executor confidence that they are making the right choices.

• Digital account wishes — which accounts should be memorialized, deleted, preserved, or transferred
• Family heirloom preferences — specific items you want certain family members to have
• Charitable wishes — organizations you support and any ongoing commitments
• Funeral or memorial preferences — burial, cremation, service type, location, and any pre-arranged plans
• Notification list — friends, organizations, and communities who should be informed
• Personal messages — any letters or notes you want delivered to specific individuals

Section 5 — Household information

Your executor may need to manage your home and property, especially in the period immediately after your passing. The household information section provides the practical details they will need — property addresses, utility account numbers, service provider contacts, alarm codes, and maintenance schedules. Including this information prevents unnecessary stress and helps your executor keep the household running smoothly while they manage other responsibilities.

• Property addresses for all real estate you own or lease
• Utility accounts — electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, cable, phone
• Service providers — landscaper, cleaner, HVAC service, plumber, electrician, handyman
• Home systems — alarm system code and company, irrigation system, security cameras
• Vehicle information — make, model, year, VIN, and location of each vehicle
• Pet care — veterinarian contact, feeding schedule, medication, and preferred caregiver

Additional sections to consider

Depending on your situation, you may want to add sections beyond the core five. Business owners should include a section for business information — entity details, key contracts, business partners, and operational instructions. If you manage rental properties, a property management section with tenant information, lease locations, and property manager contacts is helpful. For families with complex digital lives, a dedicated digital legacy section can organize cryptocurrency information, domain names, online stores, and intellectual property accounts. The template should be flexible enough to accommodate what is unique about your situation.

Step-by-step checklist for building your executor folder

• Start with the account notes section — this is often the most time-consuming and benefits from early attention
• Add document locations next — knowing where important papers are stored is critical for your executor
• Include trusted contacts so your executor knows who to call for guidance
• Record personal wishes while they are fresh in your mind — these details can be easy to forget
• Complete the household information section with property and utility details
• Review each section for completeness and add any additional categories specific to your situation
• Share your folder with your executor or a trusted family member so they know it exists
• Set a recurring reminder to review and update the folder every six to twelve months

Common mistakes to avoid

• Making sections too vague — each entry should include enough detail that your executor can act without follow-up questions
• Forgetting to update the folder — information changes and an outdated folder can mislead your executor
• Storing passwords in the folder — use a dedicated password manager for credentials and your folder for notes
• Not telling anyone the folder exists — even the most complete folder is useless if no one knows where to find it
• Making the folder too rigid — leave room for additional sections based on your specific needs and circumstances
• Assuming one format works for everyone — consider your executor's preferences when choosing physical or digital

How Lieu & Legacy provides a structured template

Lieu & Legacy offers a guided executor folder template with all the essential sections — account notes, document locations, trusted contacts, personal wishes, and household information. Each section includes prompts that help you include the right details without needing prior experience or legal knowledge. You can work through the template at your own pace, update information as needed, and share access with your executor when you are ready. Lieu & Legacy is designed for families who want a structured, private way to prepare executor information without the complexity of legal software or the limitations of a paper template.

When to speak with a professional

An executor folder template is an organizational tool and does not replace professional advice. If you have questions about your estate plan, the legal responsibilities of your executor, or whether your will and trusts are properly structured, consult a qualified estate attorney. For financial planning questions, speak with a certified financial planner or accountant. Lieu & Legacy is not a law firm and does not provide legal, tax, financial, medical, emergency, or probate advice. This article is for general organization and education only. For advice specific to your situation, speak with a qualified professional.