An Estate Planning Checklist for All of Us

We’ve all heard terms like wills, trusts, and health care proxies (or health care powers of attorney). These are the building blocks of a comprehensive estate plan. In the past, estate planning was expensive and took lots of time. Today, what’s changed is how accessible estate planning has become. With today’s online tools, estate planning is now easy, fast and affordable.   

Estate planning doesn’t have to be done all at once. Some people prefer to work through it gradually, while others use modern tools to complete most of their documents in a single sitting. Either approach works. The process of estate planning is about being thoughtful and prepared. Having a strong plan in place helps make life easier now and provides clarity for the people you care about when needed. 

When your estate plan is in place, decisions are clearer, stress is reduced, and your family isn’t left guessing. This checklist is designed to meet you where you are and to help you complete a plan that works for you. You can start with one section today and come back to the rest when you’re ready.  

Know that estate planning is not one and done, but an ongoing process that needs to be kept updated to where you are in your life and for what you want to protect. 

Part 1: The Documents 

Estate planning documents like a will, living trust, power of attorney and health care proxy, form the backbone of a solid plan. It is up to you as to what documents you need. Each needs to be state-specific, for instance, a will in one state may not be the same as a will in another state. Even laws as to how documents are executed can be different by state and by document.  

If you die without a will in place, it is called dying intestate. If this happens the rules of the state dictate how your assets are distributed. If you want to make your voice heard, you can complete estate planning documents so when you can’t speak or act for yourself, the documents speak for you or the person(s) you chose can speak for you. 

Last Will and Testament 
This is often a cornerstone of an estate plan. It outlines who receives your assets and, just as importantly, who would care for your children if they were minors as well as who would care for your pets. Without a will, those decisions are left to the state. 

Health Care Proxy 
A health care proxy names the person you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to communicate during a medical emergency. It can also include your living will, which documents your wishes about medical care and treatment. Together, this ensures your voice is heard and your loved ones have clear guidance when decisions matter most. 

Power of Attorney 
Life doesn’t pause during illness or injury or while you are traveling far from home. A power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle finances, pay bills, and manage day-to-day matters if you are unable to do so. Note that this is a very powerful document and you must only choose someone you trust to serve as your power of attorney. 

Revocable Living Trust 
Not everyone needs a trust, but for some families it can simplify things significantly. It may help avoid probate and gives you more control over how and when assets are distributed as it works while you are alive and after you pass away. 

Pour-Over Will 
If you have a trust, this document acts as a backstop, directing any assets not already in the trust into it after your death. 

Part 2: The People You Choose 

Paperwork alone doesn’t solve problems. People do. Choosing the right individuals matters just as much as creating the documents. 

Executor 
This person settles your estate. Organization, patience, and reliability matter more than emotion here. Executors can be paid or not paid. 

Guardians 
The people you would trust to raise your children. It’s wise to talk with them first so there are no surprises. 

Health Care Agent 
Someone who can stay calm under pressure and honor your wishes, even when decisions are difficult. 

Trustee 
If you have a trust, this is the person or institution responsible for managing its assets. 

Financial Agent 
The individual who steps in to handle finances through your power of attorney. 

Part 3: Taking Stock of What You Own 

You can’t plan effectively if you don’t know what exists. Exact values are less important than awareness. You can now easily make a list of these items, take digital pictures of the items and save and share (if appropriate) the information in a digital vault. 

Art and Collectibles 
Artwork, antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, and items with resale or sentimental value. 

Bank Accounts 
Checking, savings, money market accounts, and online-only banking or payment accounts. 

Boats and Recreational Vehicles 
Boats, jet skis, RVs, campers, trailers, and related registrations or titles. 

Business Interests 
Ownership in businesses, partnerships, LLCs, side ventures, intellectual property, or royalties. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Physical cash, certificates of deposit, treasury bills, or short-term holdings. 

Cryptocurrency and Digital Currency 
Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, digital wallets, exchanges, NFTs, and private keys. 

Digital Assets 
Online accounts, domain names, monetized websites, social media accounts, digital photos, and stored files. 

Insurance Policies 
Life insurance, disability insurance, long-term care insurance, and employer-provided coverage. 

Investment and Stock Accounts 
Brokerage accounts, individual stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and managed investment portfolios. 

Loans Owed to You 
Personal loans, promissory notes, or money others owe you. 

Personal Property 
Furniture, electronics, tools, firearms, and household items of value. 

Property and Real Estate 
Primary residence, vacation homes, rental properties, land, timeshares, and mineral rights. 

Retirement Accounts 
401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, pensions, and other tax-advantaged retirement plans. 

Safe Deposit Boxes and Storage Units 
Contents of bank safe deposit boxes and rented storage units. 

Vehicles 
Cars, motorcycles, trucks, classic vehicles, and leased vehicles. 

Part 4: Beneficiaries Matter More Than You Think 

This is where many plans quietly fall apart. Some assets bypass your will entirely. 

Retirement accounts and insurance policies are paid directly to the beneficiaries listed on those accounts, most times even if your will says something different. 

Review Retirement Accounts 
Confirm that beneficiary designations are current and reflect your intentions today. If beneficiaries pass away, make sure to update your choices. 

Double-Check Insurance Policies 
Make sure payouts go where you expect, whether to individuals or into a trust. 

Name Backup Beneficiaries 
If your primary beneficiary is no longer living, having contingencies prevents unnecessary delays and confusion. 

Part 5: Medical and Digital Details 

Planning today goes beyond money. Access to information can be just as critical. 

Medical Information 
List your doctors, medications, and allergies. Write down your preferences about life-sustaining treatment and organ donation so there is no guesswork. 

Digital Life 
Use a password manager and ensure the right person knows how to access it. Decide what should happen to social media accounts and who will shut down subscriptions that quietly keep charging. 

Part 6: What Families Remember Most 

These are the personal details that don’t always show up in legal documents but often matter the most. 

Pets 
Who will care for them, and leave information about routines, food, and veterinary care. 

Personal Messages 
A note to your children, partner, or loved ones. It doesn’t need legal language. Just your voice. Or, record a video with a personal message or leave a memoir. 

Location Guide 
Make it clear where important documents, keys, passwords, and instructions are stored. Planning only works if people can find your documents and your plan. 

One Last Thought 

Estate planning isn’t something you finish and forget. Life changes. Relationships evolve. Laws shift. Review your plan regularly, even once a year. If most of these pieces are in place, you are doing more than organizing paperwork. You are giving your family clarity, direction, and peace of mind when it matters most. 

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney or estate planning professional for personalized guidance. 

Author, Gentreo