Estate Planning Tool
Estate Planning Checklist
A complete estate plan is more than a will. This checklist walks you through every document and decision — in the right order — to fully protect your family.
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Core Documents
Create a will
The foundation of any estate plan.
Set up a durable power of attorney
So someone can manage your finances if you become incapacitated.
Set up a healthcare power of attorney
To name who makes medical decisions for you.
Create a living will / advance directive
Document your medical treatment wishes.
Consider a living trust
Useful for avoiding probate or larger estates.
Assets & Beneficiaries
Make a complete inventory of your assets
Include everything — property, accounts, valuables, digital assets.
Review beneficiary designations
On retirement accounts, life insurance, and annuities.
Add payable-on-death designations to bank accounts
These pass directly, avoiding probate.
Add transfer-on-death designations to investments
Same benefit for investment accounts.
Check the title on your property
Joint ownership can avoid probate.
Protection & Planning
Review your life insurance coverage
Make sure it matches your family’s needs.
Plan for any dependents with special needs
A special needs trust protects their benefits.
Consider long-term care planning
How would care be paid for if needed?
Document your digital assets
Passwords, crypto, online accounts.
Organise & Communicate
Gather all documents in one secure place
And tell a trusted person where to find them.
Create a list of important contacts
Attorney, financial advisor, insurance agents.
Talk to your family about your plan
Clear communication prevents future conflict.
Schedule a review every 3–5 years
And after major life events.
Take control of your estate plan
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