Estate Planning Checklist

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming—but it does not have to be. Our Estate Planning Checklist is designed to help you get organized, clarify your goals, and identify gaps in your current plan before problems arise.

Whether you already have estate planning documents in place or are just getting started, this checklist provides a clear, step-by-step framework to help you prepare with confidence.

What This Checklist Covers

Our Estate Planning Checklist walks you through the most important areas of a well-rounded estate plan, including:

Inventorying Your Assets and Liabilities

Identify what you own, what you owe, and estimate your overall estate value—including real estate, financial accounts, businesses, personal property, and more.

Defining Your Estate Planning Goals

Clarify who you want to benefit, how and when assets should be distributed, guardianship decisions for minor children, incapacity planning, and business succession considerations.

Reviewing Key Estate Planning Documents

Understand the core documents that may be part of your plan, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and HIPAA authorizations.

Checking Beneficiary Designations and Account Ownership

Review beneficiary and payable-on-death designations, as well as how your accounts and property are titled—these are critical details that can override your will.

Evaluating Insurance and Tax Planning Considerations

Consider life insurance needs and explore tax minimization strategies with your professional advisors.

Organizing Information for Trusted Individuals

Document essential information for your personal representative, trustee, and agents, and ensure they know how to access it when needed.

Safely Storing Documents and Digital Assets

Plan for secure storage of your estate planning documents and address digital assets such as online accounts, subscriptions, cryptocurrency, and important files.

Communicating and Updating Your Plan

Learn why clear communication and regular updates are essential to keeping your plan effective as life changes.

Who This Checklist Is For

This checklist is ideal for:

Individuals and families who want to get organized before meeting with an attorney
Those who already have an estate plan and want to review or update it
Anyone preparing for major life changes such as marriage, parenthood, retirement, or relocation

Download the Estate Planning Checklist

Click the button below to access your free printable PDF version of the checklist.

If you have questions or would like guidance tailored to your situation, our office is here to help ensure your estate plan reflects your wishes and protects what matters most.

Download the Estate Planning Checklist