No one likes to think about death, but planning for it is one of the most powerful and thoughtful things you can do for your family. In the event of your passing, your loved ones will face legal, financial, and emotional hurdles often with little time to prepare. That’s why every expat family in the UAE should create a Legacy Folder, a comprehensive collection of critical documents, instructions, and contact details that removes confusion, saves time, and provides clarity when it’s needed most.

What Is The Legacy Folder?

Also known as an In Case of Death Folder, Legacy Drawer, or Estate Planning Binder, this is a structured file physical, digital, or both that contains everything your family needs to manage your estate and responsibilities if you’re no longer around. Your circumstances may vary, but the core purpose remains the same: to create a roadmap for your family so they don’t have to figure everything out alone.

How Can This Help Your Family?

This well-prepared  Folder can:

• ✅ Reduce stress and confusion in an already emotional time

• ✅ Save time and money by keeping key documents in one place

• ✅ Prevent legal complications and avoid unnecessary court delays

• ✅ Ensure your estate, guardianship, and funeral wishes are respected

• ✅ Minimise family disputes by providing clear instructions

• ✅ Help claim all your legal assets—so nothing is lost

• ✅ Connect family members both locally and globally

• ✅ Act as a clear guide on the “Do’s & Don’ts” after death

✅ Legacy Folder Checklist: What to Include

This checklist has been developed with over two decades of experience in succession planning across the UAE.

1. Legal Documents

• Registered Will and Testament

• Living Will / Advance Healthcare Directive

• Durable Power of Attorney (financial)

• Internal & External Power of Attorneys

• Healthcare Power of Attorney

• Revocable or Irrevocable Trusts

• Marriage & Divorce certificates

• Birth & Adoption certificates (self and dependents)

• Guardianship papers

• Citizenship/Naturalisation documents

• Court judgments or settlements

• Current & expired passports

• Emirates ID and other national IDs

2. Financial Information

• Bank account details (local & international)

• Credit card and loan statements

• Retirement and pension accounts

• Investment portfolios (stocks, funds, crypto)

• Real estate deeds and mortgage papers

• Vehicle ownership documents

• Life insurance policy documents

• Beneficiary/Nominee forms

• Locker details and key location

• Tax returns from the past 3–5 years

3. Business or Company Information

• Business ownership papers

• Trade license/Certificate of Incorporation

• MOU/Partnership agreements

• Business insurance & indemnity policies

• Details of Partnership Assurance arrangements

4. Funeral & Burial Instructions

• Preferred funeral home and contact

• Burial or cremation instructions

• Cemetery plot or cremation contract

• Obituary preferences or pre-drafted notices

• Prepaid funeral plans (if applicable)

• Organ donor card or decision

• Letter of Wishes with any additional requests

5. Digital Assets

• Passwords for email, banking, social media

• Two-factor authentication codes

• Device passcodes (phone, tablet, computer)

• Cloud storage access

• Subscriptions and memberships

• Domain names, online business logins

• Contact details for account managers

6. Contacts & Personal Information

• Emergency contacts (family & close friends)

• Guardianship contacts (temporary & permanent)

• Executor of the Will

• Financial advisor/accountant

• Attorney or estate planner

• Insurance agents

• Doctors or medical providers

• Social Security / National Insurance numbers

• Relationship managers at banks

• Tax consultant details

7. Miscellaneous Items

• Instructions for care of pets

• Personal letters or video messages to loved ones

• USBs or hard drives with personal data

• List of extended family or key community contacts

• Wishes for distribution of family heirlooms

• Ensure all official documents are attested and translated (especially in GCC jurisdictions)

How Should You Store Your Legacy Folder?

• Physically: In a secure, fireproof folder or binder, labelled and stored safely at home or in a legal office.

• Digitally: In encrypted cloud storage with access instructions shared with your executor or trusted contact.

Ideally, maintain both formats. Make sure at least one trusted person knows how to access it when needed.

Final Thoughts

A Legacy Folder isn’t about expecting the worst, it’s about preparing for the unexpected. It gives your family the gift of clarity, guidance, and peace of mind. At Just Wills, we help families across the UAE build their Death Folder from scratch, ensuring nothing is missed and every detail is legally sound. From Wills to guardianship to asset planning, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to create your Legacy Folder?
Lucky for you, we have a customized folder ready for you, book a free consultation with the Just Wills team and we’ll walk you through the process, step by step.

– Mohammad Marria | CEO & Founder