Part 1: A is for Ancillary Documents
This month, I’m walking through the ABCs of estate planning in a short 4-part series—starting with A.
When most people think about estate planning, they think about the big documents—a will, maybe a trust.
Those matter, of course. We’ll get there.
But this month, I wanted to take a step back and start with something a little less obvious—and, in many ways, just as important.
We’re kicking off with:
A is for Ancillary Documents
These are the documents—and the practical information—that quietly hold everything together. They’re the difference between a plan that technically exists and one that actually works for your family.
The Core Ancillary Documents (The Ones You Should Have in Place)
Let’s start with the legal side.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney
This is the document that allows someone you trust to step in and handle financial matters if you can’t.
And when I say “financial matters,” I mean everything from:
- Paying your bills
- Accessing your accounts
- Managing investments
- Handling insurance and taxes
- Selling or maintaining property
Without this document, your family may have to go to court just to get basic authority to help you.
Which is… not ideal in an already stressful situation.
Advance Healthcare Directive
In Virginia, this combines two important roles into one document:
- Medical Power of Attorney (who makes decisions)
- Living Will (what your wishes are)
This is what allows someone to:
- Speak with doctors
- Access medical information
- Make decisions if you can’t communicate
And just as importantly, it gives your family clarity about what you would want—so they’re not left guessing.
HIPAA Authorization
This one tends to get overlooked, but it matters more than people expect.
It simply allows your chosen people to:
- Access your medical information
- Talk to providers
Without it, even well-meaning family members can hit frustrating roadblocks trying to get information.
But Here’s Where Most Plans Fall Short…
Even when someone has all of those documents in place, there’s often a second layer that’s missing:
👉 The practical, real-life information your family will actually need
Because when something happens, your loved ones aren’t just asking:
- “Do we have a power of attorney?”
They’re asking:
- “Where is everything?”
- “What accounts exist?”
- “Who do we call?”
- “What do we do next?”
And that’s where a little organization makes an enormous difference.
Building Your “What To Do When I Die (or Can’t)” Binder
Yes, the name is a little blunt.
But also… effective.
This doesn’t need to be complicated or perfectly polished. It just needs to exist.
Here’s what I recommend including:
1. Key Personal Information
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (stored securely)
- Driver’s license / passport information
2. Important Contacts
Not just family—also:
- Financial advisor
- CPA
- Estate planning attorney
- Insurance agent
- Employer or HR contact
👉 If something happens, your family shouldn’t have to dig through emails to figure out who to call.
3. Account and Asset Overview
This doesn’t need to be exhaustive, but it should be clear:
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance
- Real estate
- Business interests
Include:
- Where the account is held
- Approximate value
- How it’s titled (individual, joint, trust, etc.)
👉 Think of this as a roadmap, not a spreadsheet.
4. How to Access Things (Without Compromising Security)
This is always a balance.
You don’t necessarily want to write passwords down in plain text—but you do want your family to know:
- Where your password manager is
- How to access your phone or computer (if appropriate)
- Where important documents are stored (physical or digital)
5. Insurance Information
- Life insurance policies
- Health insurance
- Disability insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Home and auto policies
Include:
- Company
- Policy number (if available)
- Contact information
6. Monthly Obligations and Expenses
This is one of the most practical—and most appreciated—sections.
- Mortgage or rent
- Utilities
- Subscriptions (the sneaky ones add up)
- Credit cards
- Loans
👉 This helps your family keep things running smoothly right away.
7. Final Wishes (The Human Side)
This doesn’t need to be formal.
But it can include:
- Burial vs. cremation preferences
- Where important documents are
- Any specific wishes or guidance
This is often the section families come back to later and appreciate the most.
Why This Matters More Than People Expect
I’ve seen this play out both ways.
Families who:
- Have clear documents
- Have organized information
- Know who to call
…are able to focus on what actually matters.
And families who don’t?
They spend the first few weeks (or months) just trying to piece things together.
Not because they aren’t capable—
but because no one left them a roadmap.
A Small Shift That Makes a Big Difference
This doesn’t have to be done all at once.
You can start with:
- A simple list
- A folder
- A few notes
And build from there.
The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s clarity.
What’s Coming Next
This is just the beginning of the series.
Next up:
- B is for Beneficiary Designations
(the quiet drivers of how most assets actually pass) - C is for Core Documents
(we’ll break this into two parts—Wills and Trusts—and talk through when each makes sense)
Final Thought
If you’ve ever thought:
“I should probably get all of this organized at some point…”
This is your nudge.
Not because something dramatic is going to happen—but because making things easier for your family later is one of the most thoughtful things you can do now.
And it’s often the small, practical details—the “ancillary” pieces—that make the biggest difference.
Mary Ellen Bowman is the founder and Principal Estate Planning Attorney of The Bowman Firm, a Northern Virginia based firm focused on providing clear, strategic guidance to help families make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes.