Will & Estate Planning Checklist

Define estate goals and priorities

Decide who you want to provide for and any specific gifts or protections.

List all assets and liabilities

Include property, bank accounts, investments, retirement, life insurance, and debts.

Choose an executor (personal representative)

Pick someone trustworthy and discuss the role and responsibilities with them.

Name guardians for minor children

Select primary and alternate guardians and confirm they're willing to serve.

Select a durable power of attorney for finances

Authorize a trusted agent to manage finances if you become incapacitated.

Create an advance healthcare directive and appoint a health proxy

Record medical wishes and name someone to make health decisions for you.

Draft a last will and testament

Use an attorney or reliable state-specific template to state distributions and executor.

Designate beneficiaries on accounts and policies

Confirm beneficiary designations for retirement, insurance, and payable-on-death accounts.

Update bank and investment account beneficiaries

Update retirement and pension beneficiaries

Update life insurance beneficiaries

Consider establishing trusts for specific needs

Evaluate revocable, irrevocable, or special-needs trusts to meet goals and avoid probate.

Inventory digital assets and access instructions

List accounts, domains, crypto, social media, and where passwords are stored.

Plan for taxes, debts, and final expenses

Estimate estate taxes, list debts, and designate funds for funeral and closing costs.

Store original documents securely and notify your executor

Keep originals in a safe deposit box or attorney's custody and tell the executor where they are.

Meet with an estate attorney or financial advisor

Review documents, state laws, and tax implications before finalizing the plan.