Keeping a Will Journal

A will journal is a document where you can record your final wishes and instructions for your loved ones after your death. It can be a crucial tool to help your family and friends carry out your last requests and ensure that your affairs are handled in the way you intended. In this article, we’ll explore what a will journal is, why you should keep one, and what information it should contain.

What is a Will Journal?

A will journal is a document that allows you to record important information about your end-of-life wishes. It can be a physical notebook or a digital document, and it typically includes details about your funeral arrangements, burial or cremation preferences, asset distribution, and more. It’s important to note that a will journal is not a legal document, and it does not replace a traditional will or other estate planning documents. However, it can be a helpful complement to those documents and provide your loved ones with additional guidance and clarity.

Why Keep a Will Journal?

There are several reasons why you should consider keeping a will journal. First and foremost, it can ensure that your final wishes are carried out as you intended. By providing clear instructions and guidance, you can alleviate confusion or disagreements among family members about how to handle your affairs. This can help reduce stress and tension during an already difficult time.

Additionally, a will journal can serve as a way to express your personality and values. You can include personal messages or stories that provide comfort and closure to your loved ones, or you can share your thoughts and feelings about what you hope for them in the future. This can be a meaningful and powerful way to leave a lasting legacy.

Finally, a will journal can be a practical tool to help your family and friends navigate the practical aspects of your death. By including information about your financial accounts, insurance policies, and other important documents, you can make it easier for your loved ones to settle your affairs and distribute your assets.

What to Include in a Will Journal?

While the specific details to include in a will journal will vary based on your individual circumstances, there are a few key pieces of information that you should consider including. These might include:

1. Funeral arrangements: Record your preferences for your funeral or memorial service, including any special requests or instructions.
2. Burial or cremation preferences: Indicate whether you would like to be buried or cremated, and provide any specific instructions for how you would like your remains to be handled.
3. Asset distribution: Provide information about how you would like your assets to be distributed among your heirs or beneficiaries, including any special bequests or conditions.
4. Important documents: Include information about where your important documents are kept, such as your will, life insurance policies, and financial account information.
5. Personal messages: Consider including personal messages or stories that provide comfort and closure to your loved ones, or that express your hopes and wishes for them in the future.
6. Contact information: Provide contact information for your attorney or other trusted advisors who can assist your loved ones with settling your affairs.
7. Passwords and login information: In today’s digital age, it’s important to include login information and passwords for any online accounts that may need to be accessed after your death.

In conclusion, a will journal can be a valuable tool to help ensure that your final wishes are carried out as you intended. By providing clear instructions and guidance, expressing your personality and values, and including practical information, you can make a difficult time easier for your loved ones. Whether you choose to keep a physical notebook or a digital document, a will journal can provide peace of mind and help you leave a lasting legacy.