What would you want people to remember about your life? Most of us spend far more time planning vacations than we do reflecting on the story we hope our lives will tell. Yet writing your own obituary can be a surprisingly meaningful—and even joyful—experience.

Here's a list of the most common legal documents we should all have before we die. Most of us don’t love talking about end-of-life planning. It can feel uncomfortable, distant, or easy to put off for “someday.” But here’s the truth: When we don’t make our wishes known, the people we love are left to make difficult decisions, often in moments of grief, stress, and uncertainty.