Your estate planning checklist

The people, property, and wishes to think through before you plan. The first section is open to everyone; one free email unlocks the rest and the printable copy.

Printable · About 15 minutes · Written by Jeffrey T. Stinson, Esq. · Updated October 2026

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1Your people

Who you would trust with each job. Name a first choice and a backup.

Your personal representativeSettles your estate after you die. Many people still call this the executor.
Your trusteeManages a trust for you and your family. A person, a bank, or both together.
Your financial agentHandles your money and property under a durable power of attorney if you cannot.
Your health care agentMakes medical decisions under a health care proxy if you cannot speak for yourself.
A guardian for your childrenIf you have children under 18: who would raise them, and who would manage their money.

Unlock the full checklistThree more sections: what you own, your wishes, and what you already have. Free, with a printable copy by email.Unlock the checklist

2What you own

A rough list is fine. Note how each item is titled and who is named as beneficiary.

Your home and any other real estateIncluding property in another state, which can mean a second probate.
Bank and investment accountsChecking, savings, brokerage, and certificates of deposit.
Retirement accounts401(k), 403(b), and IRA accounts, and who is named to receive each one.
Life insuranceEach policy and its named beneficiary.
A business or rental propertyAnything that needs someone to keep it running.
Digital accounts and keepsakesOnline accounts, photos, and items with special family meaning.

3Your wishes

What you want to happen, in your own words.

Who should inherit, and in what sharesFamily, friends, and any charities you care about.
Specific giftsJewelry, heirlooms, a vehicle, or a gift to a charity.
When children or grandchildren receive moneyOutright, or held in trust until a certain age.
Anyone who needs special careA family member with special needs, or anyone you mean to leave out on purpose.

4What you already have

Bring copies if you have them.

An existing will or trustAnd the date it was signed.
A power of attorney or health care proxyEven an old one helps.
Recent beneficiary formsCheck that they still match your wishes. They control even over your will.

Ready for the next step?

Bring this to a free seminar, talk it through with an attorney, or start your plan online and your attorney reads every answer.

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