Last Updated January 31, 2024
Alternate Names:
Just-In-Case Instructions are also known as:
- Letter of Direction
- Letter of Last Instruction
What are Just-in-Case Instructions?
Just-in-Case Instructions contain important personal information someone may need to manage your affairs when you can’t (for instance, if you are incapacitated, unavailable, or pass away). Anyone you trust to look after your affairs on your behalf can benefit from this comprehensive document, from friends and family to official representatives like an executor of a Last Will and Testament.
Just-in-Case Instructions list all of your personal, legal, and financial documents and where to find them, making it quick and easy for the person reading the instructions to find the information they need.
When should I use Just-in-Case Instructions?
Anyone can create Just-in-Case Instructions at any time because they’re meant to be used in situations when you can’t be reached.
For example, if you are planning to travel for an extended period of time, you could leave these instructions to someone entrusted to water your plants and take care of your pets while you’re away. In this case, the person could read the instructions to find the combination to the keypad on your door, information about your pet’s feeding schedule, and contact information for your veterinarian.
These instructions can also help in emergency situations, like if you suddenly become incapacitated. If something should happen to you, friends or family could refer to these instructions to locate information about your health care or insurance policies, figure out where and how to collect your mail, and communicate with your employer or clients.
Finally, Just-in-Case Instructions can be invaluable to your family members and executor when settling your estate after you’ve passed away because of the time saved searching for important documents, assets, and personal belongings.
LawDepot’s Just-in-Case Instructions template allows you to customize information regarding topics such as:
Personal Details
Personal details can include information about your identity, employment, and dependents. With these details, the person reading your instructions can take care of daily responsibilities such as looking after pets or children, or informing your employer of your absence.
Personal Property
Personal property can include real estate, vehicles, and other personal belongings. With this information, someone can help maintain and manage property on your behalf. For example, you may need someone to collect payments from tenants or make repairs in a rental property you manage.
Health Care
Health care information can include an emergency contact person, insurance policy details, information about your family doctor, and more. If you’re ever incapacitated, the person reading your instructions can communicate your health care information to the people who are responsible for your care.
Financial Information
Financial information can include a list of your financial accounts, investments, debts, and more. If you create a Power of Attorney, you can name a personal representative (also called an attorney-in-fact) and grant them authority to manage your finances for you. A record of your financial information can save your attorney-in-fact time searching for financial statements. Your family members and executor may also value this information as they settle your estate after you’ve passed away.
Important Documents
Important documents can include government issued identification, estate planning documents, and more. This information may be important to people you have appointed to act as your personal representative, as they may need to produce the legal document in which they were given authority before they can fulfill their duties.
Storage and Access
Storage and access information can include any personal safes, safe deposit boxes, or self-storage units you use, as well as the keys or codes needed to access them. This information can help an executor locate and administer any property you’ve given away in your Last Will. You can also include information on accessing your personal devices (such as your cell phone or computer) so people can manage your online presence and digital assets on your behalf.
