Brief your people: tell the people you've named
A free guide from Heirlūm. Make sure the people named in your will or trust know it and know where to start.
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Why we made it
Naming an executor, trustee or guardian is half the job. The other half is telling them. If someone doesn't know they've been named or where the documents are kept, they start from scratch when the time comes.
When we interviewed families this year, 60% had never told the people they'd named. How prepared families felt depended more on who they had told than on how much paperwork they had.
What you'll do
List who you've named and check that each choice still fits. Write a one-page brief for each person: their role in plain words, where your documents are kept and who to call first. Then set a time to talk with each of them. The writing takes about 30 minutes; the conversations happen on dates you choose.
What you'll have
A brief for each person you've named, a date to give it to them and a short list of questions for your attorney if anything needs to change. A section at the end does the same for your parents, if you'd like to know who they've named.
Who it's for
Anyone with a will or trust who has named an executor, trustee, guardian or someone to make medical or financial decisions. Haven't named anyone yet? Start with First actions.
What it doesn't do
It doesn't change who you've named or judge whether your choices are right. Changes are for your attorney and the guide gives you the questions to bring. Briefs hold roles, names, locations and contacts. Never include account numbers or passwords.
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