Estate Planning Checklist: Documents and Information to Gather (Printable)

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BestParalegals is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information here is general and may not apply to your situation or state. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.

Quick answer: A free printable checklist to organize your estate plan before you meet a lawyer or document preparer. Free to share or link to.

A free printable checklist to organize your estate plan before you meet a lawyer or document preparer. Free to share or link to. Not legal advice; rules vary by state.

Core documents

☐ Will (see making a will)
☐ Durable financial power of attorney (CFPB guides)
☐ Health care power of attorney / health care proxy
☐ Living will or advance directive
☐ Trust documents, if any
☐ Guardian nominations for minor children

Accounts and beneficiaries

☐ Bank accounts (note payable-on-death designations)
☐ Retirement accounts and life insurance (check beneficiary forms; they override a will)
☐ Real estate deeds and how title is held
☐ Vehicles, business interests, digital accounts
☐ Debts: mortgage, loans, credit cards

For your executor

☐ Where the original will is stored
☐ Contacts: lawyer, accountant, financial advisor, insurance agent
☐ Recent tax returns
☐ Funeral or burial wishes
☐ Review the plan after marriage, divorce, births, deaths or a move to another state

Keep reading: How to File for Divorce Without a Lawyer; How to Avoid Probate.

Frequently asked questions

What are the core estate planning documents?

Will (see making a will); Durable financial power of attorney (CFPB guides); Health care power of attorney / health care proxy; Living will or advance directive.

Which accounts and beneficiaries should I review?

Bank accounts (note payable-on-death designations); Retirement accounts and life insurance (check beneficiary forms; they override a will); Real estate deeds and how title is held; Vehicles, business interests, digital accounts.

What information will my executor need?

Where the original will is stored; Contacts: lawyer, accountant, financial advisor, insurance agent; Recent tax returns; Funeral or burial wishes.

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