---
title: The Family Readiness Standard | Plan Before You Die
url: https://planbeforeyoudie.app/standard
source: Plan Before You Die
---

The Family Readiness Standard

# 25 checks your family should be able to pass

Each check is something your family will need if you get sick or die. Free to use and share.
- Version 0.1
- October 2026
- Not legal advice

## Papers
- 1**Someone besides you knows where your original will is.**
- 2**Each bank that would need your power of attorney has it on file.**
- 3**Your doctors and your family can find your health care proxy or advance directive.**
- 4**Someone you trust knows where your deed, titles and insurance policies are.**
- 5**Your family has your lawyer's name and number.**

## Money
- 6**Someone you trust knows every bank you use and which account pays each bill.**
- 7**You checked the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and life insurance in the last two years.**
- 8**Each of your brokerage accounts has a trusted contact on file.**
- 9**You've told Social Security who should manage your benefits if you ever need help.**
- 10**Your family knows how your pension and other income arrive.**
- 11**Someone searched for [unclaimed money](https://planbeforeyoudie.app/money-finder) in your name in the last year.**

## Health and benefits
- 12**Medicare has your written permission, on form CMS-10106, to talk with someone you choose.**
- 13**A current list of your doctors and medications is easy to find.**
- 14**Your family knows which insurance cards and plans you have.**
- 15**The person you named to speak for you knows your wishes.**

## Phone and online
- 16**Apple Legacy Contact or Google Inactive Account Manager is set up, if you use them.**
- 17**If your password manager offers emergency access, someone you trust has it.**
- 18**Your family knows your phone carrier and whose name the account is in.**
- 19**Your social media accounts have a legacy contact or a written wish.**
- 20**Your plan holds no passwords.**

## People and practice
- 21**You chose someone to step in and a backup, and both have said yes.**
- 22**Each person you chose has a short guide with their first steps.**
- 23**You wrote down what you want if you can't decide for yourself.**
- 24**You wrote down what you want after you die.**
- 25**The people you chose practiced their first steps in the last 12 months.**

The Standard checks what's in place. A lawyer in your state can tell you which legal papers you need. Copy and share it freely, with a link back to this page.