For this reason, it is vital that you create a folder of information and documents that they will need – a basic part of estate planning that often goes overlooked. Start with collecting documents that will be needed: a copy of your will, noting where the original is lodged, investments and policies, marriage certificates (and perhaps divorce orders and maintenance agreements), proof of bank accounts, copies of your ID, birth certificate and the title deeds of the house. While you are putting policies into the folder, check that the beneficiaries are up to date, as invalid beneficiaries are the cause of much delay in winding up an estate.

Then think about passwords and security, everything from the bank login to your social media accounts. Don’t forget any safety deposit boxes, bitcoin accounts and work-related items. Make a note of whether you are an organ donor. Make sure this is on top of the file, as it’s likely the first question your family will need to answer.

Finally, it will help your family in planning your funeral if you leave some suggestions for them. Most importantly, do you wish to be buried or cremated? Then you might list your favourite hymns or pieces of music, and perhaps a poem or prose that you’d like read. You might like to list people that should be invited – some that your family might unknowingly overlook.

Creating a good “when I die” folder isn’t the work of an afternoon. The more you think about this, the more ideas will come to you. Whenever you realise that you are the only person who knows something important – from the combination for the garden shed padlock to the recipe for the family’s favourite dessert – write it down and pop it into the folder. And make sure everyone knows where the folder is.

Your family will be so grateful…