The emergency binder: everything to include
An emergency binder — sometimes called an 'in case of emergency' or 'death' binder — is one place that holds everything your family would need if you couldn't tell them yourself. Here's exactly what goes in it.
Personal & legal documents
- IDs, Social Security cards, passports
- Birth, marriage, and (if any) divorce certificates
- Your will, trust, and powers of attorney — and where the originals are
- Property and vehicle titles
Money & accounts
- Every bank and credit-union account
- Bills that auto-pay, and from which account
- Loans, debts, and anyone who owes you
- Investments, retirement, and crypto — where to find them
Insurance & benefits
- Life, health, home, and auto policies, with beneficiaries
- Employer benefits and pensions
Medical & wishes
- Advance directive / medical power of attorney
- Medications and doctors
- What a good goodbye looks like to you
Home, business & people
- Where the keys are — house, car, mailbox, storage, business
- For owners: vendors, clients, and who could run it
- Who to call first — attorney, accountant, family
Access & letters
- Where to find passwords and logins — not the passwords themselves
- Personal messages you want each person to receive
Paper binder vs. a living version
A paper binder has three problems: it goes out of date, it can be lost or destroyed, and it can be found by the wrong person. A living version is encrypted, updates from your phone, and is delivered only to the people you choose, only when needed. FamiliaLista even gives you a printable Emergency Folder PDF for day one — the best of both. See also how to leave instructions for your family.
Your life's operations manual, ready in an afternoon
FamiliaLista stores your instructions, messages, and access — and delivers them to your people only if you're ever gone or unreachable. Via WhatsApp and email, in English and Spanish.
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Frequently asked questions
Where should I keep an emergency binder?
Somewhere safe but findable — a fireproof box, plus a trusted person who knows it exists. A secure digital version solves the 'lost or outdated' problem.
Should I put passwords in it?
No — write where to find them. Storing raw passwords on paper is a security risk.
Is FamiliaLista a digital emergency binder?
Yes — and more: it delivers itself to your people if you ever can't, so no one has to know where the binder is.
Is this legal advice?
No. For your will, POA, and estate questions, consult a licensed attorney.
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The two things families lose most: your memories and your crypto. How to make sure neither disappears.How much does a funeral cost?
The real U.S. numbers, why it hits families so hard, and how to plan so no one over-pays in grief.How to organize your important documents
Identity, property, money, insurance, legal, and digital — in one place, so your family finds everything fast.See all guides →
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