What your partner should know if something happens to you

A clear overview of the essentials — so your partner can step in without guessing.

In many relationships, things are shared — bills, accounts, responsibilities, routines — but the knowledge often lives in one person’s head. It’s not unusual for your partner to know the broad picture, but not the details: where documents are, which accounts exist, or what needs doing first.

This guide is about making life easier for your partner if they ever need to take over. Not by writing everything down, but by capturing the essentials in a way that’s simple, secure, and easy to update.

Start with the essentials

• Key contacts Who to call first — family, friends, and anyone who can help quickly.
• Where the important stuff is Documents, logins, and the information they’ll be looking for under pressure.
• How the household works What gets paid, from where, and what would need immediate attention.

People and contacts

When something happens, knowing who to contact removes a lot of uncertainty. Keep this short and practical.

• Close family The people who should be informed early.
• Friends who can help Those who would actually show up, drive, watch the kids, or make calls.
• Work contacts Your employer, manager, or anyone who would need to know if you were unwell or unavailable.
• Trusted professionals Solicitor, accountant, adviser — whoever is relevant to your situation.

Documents and paperwork

Most stress comes from not knowing where things are. You don’t need to store everything together — just make it discoverable.

• Identity and essentials Passports, certificates, NHS details, and anything that would be needed quickly.
• Insurance Life insurance, home insurance, car insurance — include providers and policy references if you have them.
• Home and property Mortgage details, tenancy agreements, deeds, and where they’re stored.
• Wills and planning documents If you have them, note where they are and who holds a copy.

Finances, bills and commitments

The goal here is clarity. Your partner doesn’t need every detail — they need a reliable overview.

• Bank accounts Which banks you use, and whether any accounts are joint.
• Household bills Utilities, council tax, phone and internet — and how they’re paid.
• Subscriptions Streaming, deliveries, memberships — often overlooked and easy to forget.
• Loans and credit Mortgages, finance agreements, credit cards — anything that would need attention.

Digital accounts

Digital access can be the biggest blocker. Even knowing what exists is a huge advantage.

• Email Email often unlocks everything else — note which account is the main one.
• Online banking Where accounts are managed and where statements or notifications arrive.
• Photo and file storage Where important files and family photos are stored.
• Devices Phones, laptops, tablets — and any basic information needed to access them.

Personal notes and wishes

In difficult moments, practical information helps — but personal context matters too. A few notes can bring clarity and comfort.

• What matters to you Preferences, routines, and guidance you’d want followed.
• Messages A short note can mean more than a long document.
• Family details Anything your partner may not know but would be important later.

Keep it updated

Review once a year, and update after major changes — moving house, changing jobs, new accounts, or changes in family circumstances. Small updates are easier than starting from scratch.

Keeping everything organised

One of the hardest parts in a crisis is not knowing where things are — which accounts exist, what needs paying, or who to contact. Having the essentials organised in one place can remove a huge amount of pressure from your partner when they need it most.