Estate Planning Basics Checklist

Gather personal and family details

Collect full names, dates of birth, SSNs/IDs, marriage and divorce records, and child info.

List assets, accounts, and debts

Include real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement, life insurance, and loan info.

Inventory digital assets and passwords

Record email, social, cloud storage, crypto, and password manager location.

Choose and appoint an executor

Select a trustworthy person or professional to manage your estate.

Notify chosen executor and confirm willingness

Discuss responsibilities, fees, and provide contact details.

Draft a will with a solicitor

Work with a qualified attorney to document asset distribution and legal wishes.

Specify guardianship and trust instructions

Name guardians for minors and outline any trusts or special bequests.

Review and sign the will with witnesses

Follow state witness/notary rules and keep the original safe.

Set up a durable power of attorney for finances

Grant a trusted agent authority to manage bank and legal matters if incapacitated.

Set up a health care power of attorney and advance directive

Document health care wishes and appoint a health proxy for medical decisions.

Update beneficiary designations on accounts and policies

Check retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death listings.

Create a funeral preference document and letter of instruction

Record burial/cremation wishes, organ donation, and any service details.

Secure original documents and record safe locations

Store wills, powers of attorney, deeds in a safe deposit box or with your solicitor.

Provide access instructions and keys/passwords to executor

Give executor details for safe deposit boxes, digital access, and document locations.

Schedule regular review and update of the plan

Revisit after major life changes or every 3–5 years and update documents.