7-Step Estate Planning Checklist
Everything you need to get your affairs in order and protect your family.
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1
Gather Financial Information
List all bank accounts, investments, real estate, and debts.
- Bank account statements
- Investment account details
- Real estate documents
- Insurance policies (life, homeowners, auto)
- Mortgage and loan documents
- Credit card and debt statements
2
Decide on a Will or Trust (or Both)
Choose the right estate planning documents for your situation.
- Will for simple estates
- Living Trust to avoid probate
- Pour-over Will as backup
- Decide based on your assets and goals
3
Name Your Guardians & Successors
Choose who will care for your children and manage your estate.
- Guardian for minor children (first choice)
- Alternate guardian (if first choice cannot serve)
- Executor or Trustee
- Successor Trustee (in case first cannot serve)
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
4
List Your Beneficiaries
Decide who inherits your assets and how much they receive.
- Primary beneficiaries
- Contingent beneficiaries
- Distribution amounts or percentages
- Special instructions for beneficiaries
5
Create a Healthcare Directive
Plan for medical decisions if you cannot make them yourself.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Living Will (life support preferences)
- HIPAA authorization
- Organ donation preferences
6
Organize Your Documents
Keep everything accessible and secure for your family.
- Store originals in a safe place (safe deposit box, lawyer)
- Keep copies at home
- Tell your executor/trustee where documents are stored
- List all accounts and locations of assets
- Store passwords and account info securely
7
Review & Update Regularly
Keep your documents current as your life changes.
- Review after major life events (marriage, birth, divorce)
- Update every 3-5 years
- Adjust beneficiaries when needed
- Ensure executors/trustees are still willing to serve
- Make copies available to key family members
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