Catherine Ashton, Founder, Critical Info. Last updated 12/10/2026.

If you were in hospital tomorrow, could someone you trust find your Will, your bank and super details, your Medicare card, and your passwords? An important documents checklist lists what to gather and, just as importantly, where each item is kept. You do not need every document in one drawer. You need one record of where everything is.

Which documents matter most?

Identity: birth certificate, passport, driver licence, Medicare card, marriage or divorce papers.

Legal: your Will, powers of attorney and any guardianship appointments.

Money: bank accounts, super funds and beneficiary nominations, insurance policies, Centrelink or pension details and recent tax returns.

Property: titles, mortgage and lease papers, vehicle registration.

Health: your GP, specialists, medications and private health insurance.

Digital: devices, email, social media and online accounts, and where your password manager details are kept.

Funeral: any prepaid funeral plan and your wishes.

Where should I keep them?

Somewhere safe and known to the people you trust: a lockable filing cabinet, a fireproof safe, or your solicitor's safe custody. Never write passwords on a list stored with your documents; record where they can be found instead.

How often should I update it?

Every year, and after big life changes: a new relationship or separation, a new home, a new child or grandchild, a diagnosis, retirement or a move into care.

Is there a free checklist?

Yes. The free Critical Info Life Stages Document Checklist groups documents into ten categories so you can tick off what you have and note where it is kept.

If you want help putting it all together, the Critical Info Platform guides you step by step and shares it with two trusted Key Contacts when it is needed.

Not sure where to start? Take the free 3 minute Critical Info Check. It shows what needs attention and your next step.