Families · Action plan

Estate Planning Checklist

Estate planning protects your family from confusion and unnecessary probate costs. Start with the documents most people skip, not just the will.

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Steps

Check off a step as you complete it. Official links open in a new tab.

Step 1
Inventory your assets and debtsList bank accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, insurance policies, and outstanding debts in one place.
Step 2
Review beneficiary designationsCheck the beneficiary on every retirement account, life insurance policy, and bank account — these override what's written in a will.
Step 3
Draft or update your willName an executor and specify how you want assets distributed; update it after major life events like marriage or a new child.
Step 4
Set up a durable power of attorneyName someone who can make financial decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
Step 5
Create a healthcare directive and healthcare proxyDocument your medical care wishes and name someone to make healthcare decisions if you cannot.
Step 6
Name a guardian for minor childrenIf you have minor children, name a guardian in your will — otherwise a court decides.
Step 7
Review property deed and account titlingCheck how your home and major accounts are titled (joint tenancy, tenancy in common) and whether that matches your wishes.
Step 8
Store documents safely and tell your familyKeep originals somewhere secure and make sure your executor and family know where to find them and who your attorney is.