Executor Information Sheet: What to Include

What is an executor information sheet?

An executor information sheet is a personal record that compiles everything an executor may need to handle their responsibilities. Think of it as a reference guide for your executor. It includes where to find your will and trust documents, how to access your bank and investment accounts, who to call for professional advice, and what preferences you have for funeral arrangements. It is not a legal document and does not replace a will, but it makes your executor's job significantly easier. A well-prepared executor information sheet can save your family weeks of searching and hours of stress. The sheet serves as a single source of truth — instead of remembering where each piece of information is stored, your executor has it all organized in one place with clear instructions for every category.

Personal and family overview

Start your executor information sheet with a clear overview of your personal situation. This helps your executor understand the context before diving into details. This section answers the basic who, what, and where questions that set the stage for everything else.

Document locations and access instructions

Your executor information sheet should include a complete inventory of important documents and their exact locations. Be as specific as possible. Include both physical and digital storage locations. This is one of the most referenced sections of the information sheet.

• Will and trust documents — original location and digital copy location
• Birth certificates and marriage licenses — where certified copies are stored
• Property deeds and vehicle titles — physical and county recorder locations
• Insurance policies — life, health, home, auto, and long-term care policies with provider names
• Tax returns — past seven years of federal and state returns, physical and digital
• Military discharge papers — if applicable, location of DD-214 or equivalent
• Pre-need funeral contracts — if you have pre-arranged funeral plans, include the contract and provider
• Passports and citizenship documents — location of current and expired passports, naturalization certificates if applicable
• Educational and professional records — diplomas, licenses, certifications that may be needed for professional transitions

Financial account information

List every financial account your executor may need to manage or close. Include the institution name, account type, account number, and any relevant notes. For joint accounts, note the co-owner's name. For accounts with automatic payments or transfers, add clear instructions so your executor knows what to expect.

• Bank accounts — checking, savings, and money market accounts at each institution
• Investment and brokerage accounts — include the advisor's name and contact information
• Retirement accounts — IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and pension plans with beneficiary designations noted
• Credit cards — each card issuer, account number, and approximate monthly payment
• Loans and mortgages — lender name, loan number, outstanding balance, and payment schedule
• Safe deposit boxes — bank name, box number, and where the key is located
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts — provider name and account information

Digital accounts and online services

Digital accounts are easy to forget but critically important. Your executor information sheet should include a list of every online service you use regularly. For each account, note the service name, the email address used to log in, and your preference for what should happen to the account — whether it should be closed, memorialized, transferred, or left active. Include accounts you use for banking, shopping, travel, entertainment, social media, and communication. Many people have accounts on platforms they only use occasionally, and these are the ones most likely to be overlooked. Remember to note your password manager in this section — do not list passwords directly. Instead, tell your executor which password manager you use and where they can find the access information.

Trusted contacts directory

Your executor will need to contact several professionals and service providers. Create a directory in your executor information sheet with names, phone numbers, email addresses, and a brief note about why each contact matters. Include the best way to reach each person and any account numbers or reference information that will help your executor identify themselves. Lieu & Legacy lets you organize contacts by category so your executor can find the right person quickly without scrolling through an unorganized list.

Funeral and final wishes notes

Document your funeral and final wishes preferences to spare your family difficult decisions. Include preferences for burial or cremation, memorial service type, location, and any specific readings, music, or traditions you want. You can also reference a separate legacy letter or personal wishes document for more detail. Consider noting whether you prefer a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, or a small private service. If you have any charitable organizations you would like donations directed to, include their information. These notes help your family plan with confidence, knowing they are honoring your wishes rather than guessing what you would have wanted.

Account notes and special instructions

Some accounts have unique features that your executor should know about. Use the account notes section of your executor information sheet to capture special instructions. For example: an account that has automatic transfers to a family member, a subscription that requires a phone call to cancel, or a joint account that needs a co-owner's signature. You might also note accounts that have specific tax implications, accounts with recurring deposits, or any accounts where you have set up beneficiary designations that differ from your will. These small details can save your executor hours of work and prevent important actions from being overlooked during a busy time.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving out digital accounts — most people underestimate how many online accounts they have
• Being unspecific — "safe" is not helpful; "black fireproof safe in the master bedroom closet, combination 1234" is helpful
• Not updating the sheet after major life events — review after marriage, divorce, birth, death, or relocation
• Storing the sheet somewhere inaccessible — keep it in a place your executor can reach, like a digital family vault
• Including passwords — use a password manager and note its location instead
• Not including enough context — a list of accounts without notes about their purpose or automatic features is harder to act on
• Overlooking recurring financial obligations — subscriptions and memberships can continue charging indefinitely if no one knows about them

How Lieu & Legacy helps

Lieu & Legacy gives you a structured family vault to build and maintain your executor information sheet. Guided sections help you include everything your executor needs — documents, accounts, contacts, account notes, and final wishes. You control access for each family member, update information instantly, and know your executor has a clear roadmap. Start building your executor information sheet today with Lieu & Legacy.

When to speak with a professional

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. Your executor information sheet is a personal organization tool. Legal documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney should be prepared by a qualified attorney. A financial advisor or tax professional can provide guidance on account-specific decisions.