Personal Information The basics help us identify you and ensure your plan is legally accurate.
Family & Identity Info These details often act as security questions for financial institutions to release your funds.
Layman's Terms: Your mother's last name before she was married. This is a very common security question banks ask your executor to verify your identity.
Layman's Terms: Your closest living blood relative (usually a spouse, eldest child, or sibling). If you pass away without a Will, the law often looks to your Next of Kin to take charge of arrangements.
Final Wishes Leaving clear instructions removes a huge burden of guilt from your grieving family.
Did you know? Signing a donor card isn't always enough. In many provinces/states, you must register online with the government health service. If you aren't sure, select "Unsure" so your Executor knows to check.
Service Preferences Outline the logistics so your loved ones don't have to guess what type of service you wanted.
Layman's Terms: Have you already paid a funeral home or cemetery in advance for your arrangements? If yes, it's critical your family knows so they don't pay twice.
The Last Will Finding the Will is usually the #1 panic moment for an executor.
Layman's Terms: The person you legally named in your Will to carry out your wishes, pay your debts, close your accounts, and distribute your money.
Powers of Attorney These documents protect you while you are alive, but unable to act.
Layman's Terms: A Will only works after you die. A Power of Attorney works while you are alive but unable to act (e.g., in a coma or with dementia). This person pays your bills and manages your house while you're incapacitated.
Banking & Debts Your executor doesn't need balances right now; they just need to know *where* to look.
Assets & Insurance Help your family locate investments, pensions, and insurance policies.
Layman's Terms: Tax-Free Savings and Retirement Savings are common investment accounts. If you don't manage your own stocks, simply list the name of your Financial Advisor or the company (e.g., Wealthsimple, SunLife, IG Wealth) where your retirement money sits.
Business Interests
Note: If you have a private corporation, your personal Will might not cover it efficiently. You should ensure your executor knows where your Shareholder Agreement and Minute Book are located.
Digital Keys Emails, photos, and digital currency are often lost forever because no one knew the password.
Safety Tip: Never write your actual passwords in a document like this. Instead, write where to find the passwords. For example: "I use 1Password. The Master Password is written on page 1 of the red notebook in my safe."
Subscriptions & Social Stop recurring charges and manage your online footprint.
Furry Friends
Professional Team List your key experts so your executor doesn't have to hunt for strangers.

Add your dentist, cleaners, gardeners, specialists, or anyone else who might need to be notified.

Family & Friends to Notify Who should receive a personal phone call when you pass? List your family, close friends, and important people here. Set their priority (who gets called first, second, or third) so your executor knows exactly who to contact and in what order.
Legacy & Love
Assigning this Plan Who is the primary person (usually your Executor) that should receive this plan when the time comes?

Getting Started

Welcome to your Advance Plan. This isn't a legal Will, but it's arguably more useful. It's the "Instruction Manual" for your life that your family will desperately need.

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