Template for a Professional Will

Professional Will of [Your Full Name]

This document outlines my instructions for the management of my professional practice in the event of my death or incapacitation. This document is to be considered separate from my personal Last Will and Testament.

Date: [Date]

Appointment of Professional Executor

I appoint [Executor’s Full Name], of [Executor’s Address], phone [Executor’s Phone], email [Executor’s Email], as my Professional Executor. This person is authorized to access all professional records, accounts, and communications necessary to carry out the instructions below.

If my primary appointee is unable or unwilling to serve, I appoint [Alternate Executor’s Full Name], of [Alternate Executor’s Address], phone [Alternate Executor’s Phone], email [Alternate Executor’s Email], as the alternate.

Location of Key Information

A sealed document containing all necessary passwords, keys, and access information for my practice is located at [Location of Password Document, e.g., safe deposit box, with my attorney]. The key or combination for this is located at [Location of Key/Combination].

Client Notification and Care

My Professional Executor will notify all current clients of my death or incapacitation. The client contact list is located at [Location of Client Contact List].

The notification message should state: [Text of notification message, e.g., “This message is to inform you of the death/incapacitation of [Your Name]. Arrangements are being made for the continuation of your care. You will be contacted with referral options.”].

Client Records

My client records are located at [Physical and/or Digital Location, e.g., “in a locked filing cabinet in my office” or “on the encrypted hard drive”] and are managed by [Practice Management Software, if any].

Instructions for records are as follows: [Specify instructions, e.g., “Transfer records to the client’s new practitioner upon receipt of a signed release. If no release is received within [number] days, store records securely for [number] years as required by the licensing board, after which they should be professionally destroyed.”].

Referrals

Provide clients with the following list of colleagues for referral:

1. [Colleague 1 Name, Specialty, Contact Info]
2. [Colleague 2 Name, Specialty, Contact Info]
3. [Colleague 3 Name, Specialty, Contact Info]

Financial Affairs

My professional bank accounts are at [Bank Name], account number [Account Number]. My business financial records are located at [Location of Financial Records].

My executor is instructed to settle all outstanding client accounts, pay all business debts, and close all business financial accounts. My accountant is [Accountant’s Name, Contact Info].

Professional Memberships and Listings

Cancel my memberships with the following organizations: [List of Organizations]. Deactivate or update my listings on the following platforms: [List of Websites, e.g., professional directories].

Digital Presence

My website [Website URL] and social media accounts [List of Social Media Handles] should be [Specify action, e.g., “taken down” or “converted to a memorial notice”]. Access information is in the key information document.

Physical Office

My office lease for the property at [Office Address] is with [Landlord Name, Contact Info]. The lease agreement is located at [Location of Lease]. Arrange for the termination of the lease and the clearing of the office space.

Licensing and Insurance

Notify my professional licensing board: [Licensing Board Name, Contact Info]. My license number is [License Number].

Notify my professional liability insurance provider: [Insurance Company Name, Policy Number, Contact Info].

Signature

This professional will has been prepared by me on this date and reflects my wishes.

[Your Printed Name]

Signature

Witnesses

Witness 1: _________________________ Printed Name: _____________________ Date: ___________________________

Witness 2: _________________________ Printed Name: _____________________ Date: ___________________________