Sharing Financial and Legal Information
TRUSTED SHARING OF WISHES & PLANS
The Peace of Mind Conversation
You have done the hard work of organising your financial and legal papers. Now, the next crucial step is to talk about it. Sharing your plans is how you turn your careful preparation into true peace of mind for yourself and those you trust.
This guide explains who needs to know about your plans, what they need to know, and how to have these important conversations. This isn’t about giving up control or privacy; it’s about providing a clear map so your wishes can be followed smoothly if and when the time comes.
Step 1: Who Needs to Know What?
Not everyone needs to know everything. It's about giving the right information to the right people.
Your Attorney (for Finances)
What they need to know NOW:
That you have appointed them in your Enduring Power of Attorney.
A general overview of their responsibilities.
Most importantly: That your Financial & Legal Master List exists and exactly where to find it. Please refer to:
!SELF-HELP GUIDE: Financial Master List
!SELF-HELP GUIDE: Safe Keeping Important Documents
What they DON'T need now: They do not need your bank passwords or day-to-day access to your accounts. You are only giving them the map, not the keys to the car just yet.
Your Executor (for Your Will)
What they need to know NOW:
That you have named them as the Executor in your Will.
Where to find your original Will after you pass away.
That your Financial & Legal Master List also exists to help them.
Your Close Family (who are not your Attorney/Executor)
What they need to know NOW:
Who you have chosen to be your Attorney and Executor. This is the most important message.
Sharing this information openly prevents confusion, surprises, and potential disagreements down the line. They do not need to know the specific financial details in your Master List.
How to Have the Conversation
Talking about these topics can feel big, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Choose a Calm Moment: Pick a relaxed time when you won’t be rushed or interrupted.
Be Clear and Direct: Start the conversation with a positive and practical tone. For example: "I've done some planning to make things easier for everyone in the future, and I wanted to talk to you about the important role I'm hoping you'll accept."
Focus on the "Where," Not the "What": The key message for your Attorney and Executor is telling them where to find the information when they need it. You don't need to go through every single bank account in your Toolkit with them.
Listen to Their Questions: They may have questions or feel the weight of the responsibility. Give them space to talk it through and confirm they are comfortable with the role.
Access in the Future – When Your Plan is Needed
Putting Your Plan into Action
This part of your plan is about what happens later—when your representatives need to step in.
When Does Your Attorney Need Full Access?
Your Attorney only gets the "keys to the car" when it's time to drive. This happens when:
You Decide: You are still well, but you ask them to start helping you with your finances because it's becoming too much to manage.
You Can't Decide: You lose the capacity to make your own financial decisions. Usually, a doctor will provide a letter to confirm this.
At that point, your Attorney will use their certified copy of your Enduring Power of Attorney and the information in your Financial & Legal Master List to operate on your behalf. This is when the clear list of bank accounts, bills, and investments you created becomes essential.
When Does Your Executor Get Access?
This is very simple and very important: Your Executor only acts AFTER you have passed away.
Their authority begins when they start the legal process of administering your Will. They will need your original Will and your Financial & Legal Master List to do their job properly. The Toolkit will give them a complete and organised picture of your assets and liabilities, saving them months of difficult detective work.
Making it Easier for Them: A Letter of Instruction
Consider writing a simple, kind letter to your Attorney and Executor.
What is it? A personal note that you store with your Toolkit.
What does it say? It can thank them for taking on the role, explain where to find key documents, and mention any specific personal wishes you have. For example: "To my Attorney, thank you for helping me. My main priority is to ensure I always have enough money to cover my care costs and that my regular donation to [Charity Name] is continued."
This letter is not legally binding, but it provides a personal touch and clear direction, making their difficult job that little bit easier.
Your Final Checklist
[ ] Have you had the "Peace of Mind Conversation" with your chosen Attorney?
[ ] Have you had the "Peace of Mind Conversation" with your chosen Executor?
[ ] Have you told your close family WHO you have appointed?
[ ] Do your Attorney and Executor know exactly where to find your Financial & Legal Master List and original Will when needed?
[ ] Have you stored your Financial & Legal Master List in a safe place that your representatives can access? (Not a personal safe deposit box they can't open).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The information is provided "as is," without any guarantee of its accuracy or completeness.
Any action you take based on the contents of this guide is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from its use. Please consult a qualified professional to address your individual circumstances.