Personal and family records
Gather the biographical information often needed for permits, notices, and official records.
- Full legal name and other names used
- Birth date and birthplace
- Parents' full names and birthplaces
- Marital history and spouse or partner information
- Education, occupation, and military history
- Names and contact details for next of kin
Service preferences
Think about what will help people gather, remember, and say goodbye.
- Visitation, funeral, memorial, or celebration of life
- Preferred location, clergy, celebrant, and speakers
- Music, readings, photos, flowers, and meaningful objects
- Livestream, reception, and accessibility needs
- Obituary and charitable-gift preferences
Burial, cremation, and memorial property
Record what you own and what still needs to be arranged.
- Burial, cremation, donation, or other preference
- Cemetery deed, lot, crypt, or niche details
- Preferred urn, casket, vault, marker, or keepsake
- Scattering, interment, or return-of-ashes instructions
- Transportation or out-of-state needs
Documents and conversations
Keep planning records with important documents, but do not place the only copy where it may be difficult to access quickly.
- Photo identification and veteran discharge papers
- Existing funeral, cemetery, or insurance agreements
- Estate documents and health-care directives
- Contact information for attorney, clergy, and advisers
- A dated copy of preferences shared with family