What to keep
Common categories of personal records:
- Identification (passports, IDs, birth certificates)
- Financial accounts and statements
- Insurance policies
- Tax returns and supporting documents
- Estate planning documents
- Medical records
- Property and vehicle documents
How to organize
Use consistent categories, store originals securely, and keep digital backups of important documents in encrypted storage.
Sharing access responsibly
Designate a trusted person who knows where critical records are. Many people use a sealed letter, encrypted password manager, or secure document vault.
Frequently asked
- How long should I keep tax records?
- Many advisors recommend 7 years for tax records, but rules vary. Check current IRS guidance.
- Should documents be physical or digital?
- Both have advantages. Keep originals of critical documents (wills, deeds) safe, and back up digitally.
- Who should know where my documents are?
- At minimum, a trusted family member or executor.
- Does LegalDocBuilder.com store my documents?
- Authenticated users can save drafts in their dashboard. Refer to our privacy policy for details.
LegalDocBuilder.com is a document preparation platform, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice or representation. For complex matters, review your documents with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.