Readiness report · Second check
Margaret Ellis
Up from 41 at the first check
Summary
Margaret has 21 items on her list, and 1 doesn't apply. She earned 49 of 60 possible points.
Tested earns 3 points, Set up 2, Not checked 1 and Missing 0. Items that don't apply aren't counted.
What to fix first
Margaret makes these changes herself, and we help her with each one.
- Finish the letter for after she dies
It takes about 30 minutes and adds up to 3 points.
- Check who owns the phone account
A 15-minute call to the carrier adds up to 2 points.
- Ask her lawyer about the 2009 power of attorney
It works today. She wants to know if it needs updating.
Every item
Each item shows its label, why it matters and when it was last checked.
| Item | Status | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original willCourts usually ask for the signed original. | Tested | Oct 2 | David found it in the fireproof box. |
| Power of attorney for financesLets David handle her money if she can't. | Tested | Nov 13 | Harbor Federal has it on file. She signed it in 2009. |
| Health care proxyNames who speaks with her doctors if she can't. | Tested | Oct 2 | Priya found it. Dr. Lin has a copy. |
| House deed | Tested | Oct 2 | It's in the fireproof box. |
| Life insurance policy | Tested | Oct 2 | David found it and the claims number. |
| Item | Status | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank accounts | Tested | Oct 2 | David matched both to recent statements. |
| Bills and autopay | Tested | Oct 2 | Priya listed which account pays each bill. |
| Social Security advance designationSocial Security asks David first if she ever needs help with her benefits. | Set up | Oct 2 | David is named in her account. |
| Brokerage trusted contactThe firm can call David if something looks wrong. | Set up | Nov 13 | David is now listed at Northgate Investments. |
| IRA beneficiaryThe form decides who gets the IRA. | Set up | Nov 13 | She updated it. The old form named Robert, who died in 2019. |
| Item | Status | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare can talk to DavidForm CMS-10106 lets Medicare discuss her claims with him. | Tested | Oct 2 | David called and discussed a claim. |
| Doctors and medications | Tested | Oct 2 | Priya found the list on the fridge card. |
| Item | Status | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Legacy ContactDavid and Priya can request her photos and files after she dies. | Set up | Oct 2 | It only works after death, so it can't be tested yet. |
| Google Inactive Account ManagerShares her Gmail and photos with David if the account goes unused. | Set up | Nov 13 | It now goes to his personal email. |
| Password manager emergency accessPriya can request access after a 7-day wait. | Set up | Oct 2 | We never see the passwords. |
| Phone carrier accountKeeps her number, where many sign-in codes go. | Not checked | Oct 2 | Margaret says it's in her name. Nobody has checked. |
| Facebook legacy contactLets someone look after her profile after death. | Doesn't apply | Oct 2 | She doesn't use Facebook. |
| Item | Status | Checked | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter for if she can't decide | Tested | Oct 2 | David found it and read it. |
| Letter for after she dies | Missing | Nov 13 | She's still writing it. |
| Guides for David and Priya | Tested | Oct 2 | Both worked from their guide. |
| Who to call first | Tested | Oct 2 | Both found it on page one of the binder. |
The Family Drill
On October 2, 2026, David and Priya did a practice run. They found the key papers and tried the first steps that can be tried today. Nobody logged in as Margaret.
David Ellis
Son
9 of 10steps worked
- Found the original will and the deed
- Called Medicare and discussed a claim
- Found the insurer's claims number
- Google's notice would have gone to his old work emailFixed November 13
Priya Shah
Daughter
7 of 8steps worked
- Found the health care proxy
- Listed which account pays each bill
- Found the doctors and medications list
- No trusted contact at the brokerageFixed November 13
Who can step in
Margaret chose every setting herself. We never share anything with David or Priya.
| Person | Today | If Margaret can't decide | After she dies |
|---|---|---|---|
| David EllisSon | Knows where the binder is. Medicare can talk to him. | Named in her power of attorney and health care proxy. First choice for her Social Security. | Apple Legacy Contact. Her Google account is shared with him. |
| Priya ShahDaughter | Knows where the binder is. Emergency contact in her password manager. | Backup on her health care proxy. | Apple Legacy Contact. |
What this report doesn't cover
Like a home inspection, it only covers what was checked.
- Whether her will, power of attorney or health care proxy is legally valid. That's for her lawyer.
- Balances, investments, or whether any account or policy is a good choice.
- Medical decisions.
- Anything not listed here.
Lawyer summary
One page to bring to your lawyer, so the meeting starts with facts.
Prepared for Margaret Ellis's lawyer on November 13, 2026.
- Will, signed June 2015. Original in the fireproof box at home.
- Power of attorney for finances, signed March 12, 2009. On file at Harbor Federal.
- Health care proxy, signed 2022. Copy on file at Dr. Lin's office.
- Margaret asks whether the 2009 power of attorney needs updating after Robert's death in 2019.
We don't recommend or draft any document. This summary is not legal advice.
Page one of the binder
The first page in your Ready Kit binder.
If something happens to Margaret Ellis
Page 1 · Updated November 13, 2026Call first
- David Ellis, son · (555) 010-2231
- Priya Shah, daughter · (555) 010-4410
- Dr. Amy Lin · (555) 010-7788
- Ruth Okafor, her lawyer · (555) 010-9021
- Linda next door has a spare key · (555) 010-3356
Where things are
- Original will and deed in the fireproof box, hall closet
- Health care proxy in tab 3 of this binder
- Medications listed on the fridge card
Who does what
- David handles money and Medicare
- Priya handles the house, the mail and Biscuit the cat
No passwords or account numbers are written in this binder.
Margaret's first year
From the free check to her yearly practice run.
- September 8Margaret takes the free check
She has 3 of 8 things in place.
- September 15 to 29We help her set it up
She picks David and Priya, and it takes four short sessions.
- October 2Family Drill and first report
Her score is 41.
- November 13We help her fix what failed
Her score rises to 82.
- October 2027Every year after
She gets a new practice run, a new score and fresh cards.
This report is not legal advice and not a substitute for a lawyer. It shows what was found and tried on the dates listed.