How to Organize Your Estate Documents with AI

No one likes to think about their own passing, but leaving a mess for your children is a burden you can avoid. "Death Cleaning" or estate organization is a gift to your family. AI can act as a compassionate project manager, giving you checklists and templates to get everything in order.

Step 1: The Master Checklist You probably don't know what you are missing.

Ask ChatGPT: "I want to organize my affairs for my family. Create a comprehensive checklist of documents and information I need to gather. Include financial, digital, and legal categories." It will remind you of things you might forget, like the deed to the house, car titles, or the code to your gun safe.

Step 2: The "Digital Will" Your digital life is just as important as your physical one.

Ask: "How do I create a legacy contact for my Apple ID and Facebook account? What information do I need to leave for my executor to access my email?" AI can give you step-by-step instructions for setting up "Legacy Contacts" so your family isn't locked out of your digital photos and emails.

Step 3: Draft the "Letter of Instruction" This is not a legal will; it is a letter from the heart about the practical stuff.

Ask AI to draft a template: "Write a template for a 'Letter of Instruction' to my executor. Include sections for: where the keys are found, who to call for immediate house repairs, how to feed the pets, and where the safe deposit box key is hidden." Fill in the blanks, seal it in an envelope, and tell your family where it is.