A comprehensive estate planning checklist covering everything from wills and trusts to digital assets and final wishes. Work through each section at your own pace — your progress saves automatically in your browser so you can return anytime.
These documents ensure your wishes are legally enforceable and that trusted people can act on your behalf if you're incapacitated or after you pass. Estate planning laws vary significantly by state — an estate planning attorney familiar with your state's laws should prepare or review these documents. Costs typically range from $500–2,500 depending on complexity.
Many financial accounts pass directly to named beneficiaries — completely bypassing your will. This makes keeping beneficiary designations current one of the most important estate planning tasks, especially after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
Real estate that isn't in a trust or held jointly with right of survivorship must pass through probate — which can take months or years. Review how each property is titled and consider whether a trust or deed change makes sense.
Digital assets are often worth real money and hold irreplaceable memories — yet most people leave no instructions for them. Give your executor the tools to access and manage your digital life without compromising your security while you're alive.
Life insurance proceeds can be the financial lifeline your family needs — but only if they know a policy exists, who to call, and how to claim. Billions in life insurance goes unclaimed each year because beneficiaries don't know the policy exists.
If you own a business, your estate plan must address what happens to that business. Without a plan, a valuable business can dissolve rapidly after the owner's death — leaving employees without jobs and your family without the asset's value.
Documenting your final wishes is one of the most compassionate things you can do for your family. Making these decisions in advance removes an enormous burden from the people you love at the most difficult time in their lives.
Share this section with your executor and family members. Knowing what steps to take — and in what order — prevents costly mistakes and reduces the overwhelming nature of estate administration.
A comprehensive estate plan is best developed with qualified professionals. While online tools and templates can be a starting point, an attorney familiar with your state's laws ensures your documents are legally valid and truly reflect your wishes.
Drafts your will, trust, power of attorney, and advance directive. Ensures documents comply with your state's laws and properly reflect your wishes. Cost: $500–$3,000 for a basic estate plan.
Reviews beneficiary designations across all accounts, coordinates your estate plan with your overall financial plan, and advises on strategies to minimize estate and income taxes for heirs.
Advises on estate tax planning, trust taxation, the step-up in basis for inherited assets, and the tax consequences of different distribution strategies for beneficiaries.
Services like Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and Fabric offer attorney-reviewed estate documents at lower cost than traditional attorneys. A good starting point for straightforward estates — consult an attorney for complex situations.
Most funeral homes offer pre-planning consultations at no charge. Locking in arrangements and prices in advance can save your family significant money and the burden of decision-making during grief.
You marry, divorce, or remarry — A child or grandchild is born — A beneficiary dies — You buy or sell property — Your financial situation changes significantly — Tax laws change — Every 3–5 years regardless.