Preplanning
Write your own story, on your terms
You know your life better than anyone. Preplanning your obituary is a quiet gift to the people who will one day tell your story — no scrambling, no guessing, no missing details. Our AI-guided process makes it gentle and unhurried.
How to preplan your own obituary
1. Start with the outline, not the prose
Full name, dates, place of birth, family, career, community, faith or philosophy, hobbies, and how you'd like to be remembered. Bullet points are fine. Perfection is not the goal — capture the facts first.
2. Add the stories only you know
The unusual jobs, the running jokes, the trips that changed you. Two or three specific memories will outshine a page of generalities.
3. Decide what stays private
You don't have to disclose cause of death, exact street address, or estranged relationships. Preplanning gives you control over what's shared.
4. Draft it, save it, revisit it
Your obituary will evolve as your life does. Update it when a grandchild arrives, when you retire, when a chapter closes.
5. Tell someone where it lives
A spouse, adult child, executor, or attorney should know how to find it. Consider exporting a PDF and storing it with your will.
Step by step: preplan your obituary
Gather the facts
Write down your name, hometown, important relationships, work and community ties. Keep private information out of any public draft.
Capture your voice
Use My Story in Legacy Planner to record favorite memories, values and the details you want remembered. A few notes are enough.
Note your service wishes
In My Wishes, record music, readings and preferences. These notes guide a conversation; they do not replace legal documents.
Draft and review
Use the obituary writing tools when you are ready. Check names and facts, then keep your reviewed draft with your planning packet.
Leave a clear handoff
Record where the draft is kept in Family Handoff, tell a trusted person how to find it, and revisit it after important life changes.
Your voice, preserved
Answer a few guided prompts and we shape a draft in your own tone — warm, plain, faith-forward, whatever fits you.
Easy to revise
Save versions as your life changes. Update your obituary at any time.
A gift to your family
Share access with a spouse, child, or attorney so nothing is lost.
"I finally wrote what I actually want said. It felt like breathing out."
— Margaret, 71
Common questions
- Isn't this morbid?
- Most people find it the opposite — a relief. It's the same instinct as making a will: taking care of the people you love.
- Can I keep it private until I'm gone?
- Yes. Save it in your account, share access with someone you trust, or export a PDF and store it with your will.
- What if my life changes?
- Come back anytime. We save versions so you can edit or start fresh.