Trusted contacts (optional): what they do — and what they don’t

Are trusted contacts required?

No. You can use LaterWill with or without trusted contacts. With them, we add a human verification step before delivery.

When we contact trusted contacts

Trusted contacts are contacted only when you appear inactive for a longer period (after multiple reminders).

• We send them a one-time link to confirm your status.
• They can say “alive”, “passed away”, or “not sure”.
• If they don’t respond, delivery can still proceed after the timeout.

What trusted contacts can do

• Confirm you are alive, which pauses delivery and resets your status.
• Confirm you passed away, which can allow delivery to proceed sooner.
• Help prevent accidental sends when life gets messy (travel, illness, inbox changes).

What trusted contacts can’t do

• They cannot read your messages or drafts.
• They cannot edit your messages, recipients, or settings.
• They cannot trigger delivery on demand — they only respond when we ask them.

How to choose the right person

Pick someone who is reliable, reachable, and understands the responsibility.

• Choose someone you trust emotionally and practically.
• Pick a person who checks email (and won’t ignore an unfamiliar message).
• Consider someone with context (partner, close friend, attorney).

A simple message you can send

Here’s a short script you can copy/paste:

“Hey — I’m setting up LaterWill. It sends a check-in email occasionally. If I ever stop responding for a while, you may get a link asking to confirm whether I’m okay. You won’t see my messages, you’ll only confirm my status. Are you comfortable being my trusted contact?”

Next reads

• How LaterWill works
• Avoid accidental delivery: checklist
• FAQ: trusted contacts & delivery