Appendix B: Document Templates

Important note first

These templates are starting points, not final documents. Legal documents have state-specific execution requirements (witnesses, notarization, specific language). Use these as drafts or prompts for conversation with your attorney, not as substitutes for properly executed legal documents.

Template 1: Personal Property Memorandum

[To be referenced in your will. Most states recognize a separate writing for personal property distribution. Confirm your state's rules.]

PERSONAL PROPERTY MEMORANDUM of [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME]

This memorandum is the separate writing referenced in my Last Will and Testament dated [DATE]. It directs the distribution of tangible personal property as indicated below.

Date of Memorandum: [DATE]

Items and Designated Recipients:

1. My mother's pearl necklace, three-strand with sapphire clasp, stored in the green velvet box: to my daughter [FULL NAME]. If she predeceases me, to her daughter [FULL NAME].

1. My grandfather's pocket watch, inscribed "J.R.G. 1923": to my son [FULL NAME]. If he predeceases me, to his son [FULL NAME].

1. [Continue listing specific items with specific recipients.]

[Add as many items as necessary. Be specific about each item's description and the intended recipient. Include contingent recipients where possible.]

Signature:

_________________________ [YOUR SIGNATURE] [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME PRINTED] Date: [DATE]

Template 2: Letter of Instruction

[A non-legal document providing practical information to your family. Keep with your estate documents.]

LETTER OF INSTRUCTION from [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME]

To my family and executor:

This letter is not a legal document, but it contains important practical information for handling my affairs.

Documents:

• Original Will: [LOCATION]
• Trust documents: [LOCATION]
• Power of Attorney: [LOCATION]
• Healthcare Directive: [LOCATION]
• Safe Deposit Box: [BANK, BOX NUMBER, KEY LOCATION]

Financial Accounts:

• Banking: [LIST INSTITUTIONS]
• Investments: [LIST INSTITUTIONS]
• Retirement: [LIST INSTITUTIONS]
• Life Insurance: [LIST POLICIES]

Professionals:

• Attorney: [NAME, CONTACT]
• CPA: [NAME, CONTACT]
• Financial Advisor: [NAME, CONTACT]
• Doctor: [NAME, CONTACT]

People to Notify:

• [LIST FAMILY MEMBERS WITH CONTACT INFO]
• [LIST CLOSE FRIENDS WITH CONTACT INFO]
• [EMPLOYER CONTACT]

Digital Assets:

• Password manager: [LOCATION OF MASTER]
• Phone passcode: [LOCATION]

Special Items:

• [ANY IMPORTANT PRACTICAL NOTES]

Funeral Wishes: See attached or reference to separate document.

Other:

• [ANYTHING ELSE YOUR FAMILY SHOULD KNOW]

Date: [DATE]

Signature: _________________________ [YOUR SIGNATURE]

Template 3: Healthcare Directive / Living Will

[Check your state's requirements. Many states have statutory forms that should be used instead of free-form documents. This is a general template showing structure.]

HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE of [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME]

I, [YOUR FULL NAME], being of sound mind, make this Healthcare Directive to direct my medical care in the event I am unable to make decisions myself.

1. Healthcare Agent

I appoint [NAME] as my healthcare agent, with authority to make healthcare decisions on my behalf. If [NAME] is unable or unwilling, I appoint [BACKUP NAME].

2. Life-Sustaining Treatment

If I have a terminal condition, or am in a persistent vegetative state, or have an irreversible condition from which I cannot recover consciousness:

[ ] I direct that life-sustaining treatment be withdrawn and that I be allowed to die naturally.

[ ] I direct that life-sustaining treatment be provided.

[ ] I leave this decision to my healthcare agent.

3. Artificial Nutrition and Hydration

[ ] I direct that artificial nutrition and hydration be withdrawn if life-sustaining treatment is withdrawn.

[ ] I direct that artificial nutrition and hydration be provided.

[ ] I leave this decision to my healthcare agent.

4. Pain Management

I direct that I receive whatever pain management is needed for comfort, even if such medication may shorten my life.

5. Specific Wishes

[ADD ANY SPECIFIC WISHES, E.G., RELIGIOUS PREFERENCES, ORGAN DONATION, PREFERRED LOCATION OF CARE]

6. Signature

_________________________ [YOUR SIGNATURE] [DATE]

7. Witnesses / Notarization

[State-specific requirements vary. Typically two witnesses and/or notarization.]

Template 4: Digital Asset Inventory

[Keep with your estate documents. Do NOT store passwords here — use a password manager.]

DIGITAL ASSET INVENTORY of [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME]

Last Updated: [DATE]

Email Accounts:

• [SERVICE]: [USERNAME]
• [SERVICE]: [USERNAME]

Cloud Storage:

• Google Drive: [EMAIL]
• iCloud: [EMAIL]
• Dropbox: [EMAIL]

Financial / Banking Online:

• [INSTITUTION]: [USERNAME]
• [INSTITUTION]: [USERNAME]

Social Media:

• Facebook: [USERNAME]
• Instagram: [USERNAME]
• LinkedIn: [USERNAME]
• X/Twitter: [USERNAME]

Subscriptions:

• Netflix: $[AMOUNT]/month
• Spotify: $[AMOUNT]/month
• [Continue...]

Domain Names Owned:

• [DOMAIN]: registered at [REGISTRAR]

Cryptocurrency:

• Exchanges: [LIST]
• Self-custody wallets: [LOCATION OF SEED PHRASE]

Password Manager:

• Service: [1PASSWORD / BITWARDEN / etc.]
• Master password location: [SECURE LOCATION]
• Emergency access contacts configured: [YES/NO]

Platform Legacy Contacts Configured:

• Apple Legacy Contact: [YES/NO]
• Google Inactive Account Manager: [YES/NO]
• Facebook Legacy Contact: [YES/NO]

Template 5: Funeral Wishes

FUNERAL WISHES of [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME]

To my family and executor:

Below are my wishes for my funeral and memorial arrangements.

1. Disposition of Remains

I prefer [BURIAL / CREMATION / DONATION TO SCIENCE / GREEN BURIAL / OTHER].

[If burial: location, type of casket, open or closed casket] [If cremation: disposition of ashes]

2. Funeral Home Preference

[FUNERAL HOME NAME] or family's choice.

3. Service

Type: [FUNERAL / MEMORIAL SERVICE / CELEBRATION OF LIFE / NONE]

Location: [PLACE]

Tone: [TRADITIONAL / CELEBRATORY / RELIGIOUS / SECULAR]

4. Specific Elements I'd Like

Music: [SPECIFIC SONGS / HYMNS]

Readings: [SPECIFIC TEXTS]

Speakers: [NAMES I'D LIKE TO SPEAK]

5. Reception

[WHERE / WHAT KIND / WHO TO INVITE]

6. Donations / Flowers

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: [CHARITY / CAUSE]

7. Specific Requests

[ANYTHING ELSE]

8. Budget

I anticipate spending approximately [$AMOUNT] on these arrangements. [Pre-paid or to be paid from estate.]

Signature: _________________________ [YOUR SIGNATURE] [DATE]

Template 6: Ethical Will / Legacy Letter (Starter Prompts)

Use these prompts to draft your letter. Write in your own voice — it doesn't need to be polished.

Opening: "To my children [or family or specific person],"

What I want you to know:

• What mattered most to me in life.
• Values I tried to live by.
• What I hope you carry forward.

Gratitude:

• The people who shaped me.
• What I am most grateful for.
• Specific people I want to thank.

Stories:

• Family history you might not know.
• Stories about me or your ancestors.
• Lessons from my life.

For each person individually:

• To [NAME]: specifically, what I want you to know.
• What I am most proud of in you.
• What I hope for you going forward.

Acknowledgment:

• Mistakes I made I want to acknowledge.
• Apologies I owe.
• Hope for reconciliation.

Final thoughts:

• What I want you to take away from my life.
• My love for you.

Sign off with your signature, handwritten if possible.

Template 7: Letter to Executor

LETTER TO MY EXECUTOR from [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME]

Dear [EXECUTOR NAME],

If you are reading this, I have died, and you are serving as executor of my estate. First: thank you. This is a real job, and I am grateful you agreed to do it.

Here is what I want you to know:

Priority order for the first week:

1. Work with the funeral home at [NAME].
2. Find my will (located [SPECIFIC LOCATION]).
3. Contact my attorney at [FIRM, PHONE].
4. Notify immediate family (see letter of instruction).

Estate overview:

• Approximate size: [$RANGE]
• Main assets: [BRIEF DESCRIPTION]
• Main liabilities: [BRIEF DESCRIPTION]
• Professional team: [LIST FROM LETTER OF INSTRUCTION]

My specific wishes:

• [ANY SPECIFIC DIRECTION THAT ISN'T IN THE WILL]
• [PARTICULAR CONCERNS, E.G., A DIFFICULT BENEFICIARY]
• [ANYTHING THAT WOULD HELP YOU]

The family dynamic:

• [HONEST ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS]
• [WHO TO LEAN ON, WHO TO WATCH OUT FOR]
• [ADVICE ON HANDLING SPECIFIC RELATIONSHIPS]

If difficult decisions arise:

• Call the attorney at [NUMBER].
• Consider mediation before litigation.
• Remember: the family's long-term relationships matter more than the specific asset distribution.

A final thing: Take care of yourself during this. The job will take 12-18 months. You will be emotionally spent. Don't try to do it all alone. Lean on the professionals. Take the executor fee if it helps. Forgive yourself for imperfection.

Thank you.

_________________________ [YOUR SIGNATURE] [DATE]

Using these templates

1. Review each template.
2. Customize for your situation.
3. Have your attorney review anything that has legal effect (personal property memorandum, healthcare directive, etc.).
4. Execute properly per state requirements (witnesses, notarization).
5. Store with other estate documents.
6. Tell your executor and family where they are.
7. Update periodically.

Remember: rough versions of these documents are infinitely better than no versions. Don't let perfect be the enemy of done.