Ready to get your estate plan on track?

Enter your email to unlock a step-by-step checklist that helps you address all the essentials, from wills and trusts to healthcare directives.

By entering your email address, you consent to receive communications from Trustworthy. You can withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails. View our privacy policy for more details.

By entering your email address, you consent to receive communications from Trustworthy. You can withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails. View our privacy policy for more details.

By entering your email address, you consent to receive communications from Trustworthy. You can withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails. View our privacy policy for more details.

By entering your email address, you consent to receive communications from Trustworthy. You can withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails. View our privacy policy for more details.

Checklist: How to Protect Your Family With Estate Planning

What if something happened to you? This estate planning checklist can help ensure your family would be prepared. Storing everything on Trustworthy makes it easy for your family to access important information if you die or become incapacitated.

Gather Personal and Family Information

Full names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth for all family members.

Marriage certificates or divorce decrees.

Adoption papers.

Citizenship documents.

Names and contact information of guardians, executors, and trustees.

Compile a List of Assets and Liabilities

Real estate properties (titles, deeds, mortgage information).

Bank accounts (checking, savings, certificates of deposit).

Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, pension plan).

Investment accounts (stocks, bonds, mutual funds).

Personal property (vehicles, jewelry, art, collectibles).

Business interests (partnership agreements, shareholder agreements).

Insurance policies (life, health, disability, long-term care).

Debts (credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, mortgages).

Create or Update Key Estate Planning Documents

Will: Specifies how your assets will be distributed, names guardians for minor children, and appoints an executor for your estate.

Living trust: Transfers property to beneficiaries without going through probate; manages assets if you become incapacitated.

Financial power of attorney: Designates someone to make financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Medical power of attorney: Appoints someone to make medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.

Advance directive: Provides instructions on your preferences for medical care when you’re unable to speak for yourself.

Digital asset plan: Specifies how your digital assets (e.g., online accounts, digital currencies) should be managed and who has access.

Personalized, professional help: Connect with a Trustworthy Certified Expert™ .

Review and Update Beneficiary Designations

Review beneficiaries on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and any payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on- death (TOD) accounts.

Review beneficiaries on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and any payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on- death (TOD) accounts.

Ensure the beneficiary designations align with your overall estate plan.

Consider Estate Taxes and Financial Planning

Determine if your estate is subject to federal or state estate taxes and plan accordingly.

Set up a gifting strategy to reduce the taxable estate, if applicable.

Consult with a financial advisor or estate planner for strategies to minimize taxes.

Arrange for Long-Term Care and Disability Planning

Consider long-term care insurance if not already in place.

Discuss options for disability income insurance.

Plan for the potential cost of future healthcare needs.

Document Funeral and Burial Instructions

Specify preferences for funeral arrangements, burial, or cremation.

Include details about any pre-paid funeral plans or plots.

Share these instructions with family members or the appointed executor.

Organize and Store Important Documents Securely

Store original estate planning documents in a safe, accessible location.

Provide copies to the executor, trustee, or attorney.

Consider digital storage solutions for backup and easy access (e.g., Trustworthy, an intelligent digital vault).

Communicate Your Plan with Key Parties

Discuss your estate plan with your spouse, children, or other key family members.

Inform executors, trustees, and agents named in your documents about their roles and responsibilities.

Ensure guardians and healthcare agents are willing and prepared to take on their roles.

Review and Update Your Estate Plan Regularly

Review your estate plan every three to five years or when significant life events occur (marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary, major asset changes).

Ensure all documents are up to date and reflect current laws and your wishes.

Consider Professional Guidance

Consult with an estate planning attorney to ensure your documents are legally sound and customized to your needs.

Work with a tax advisor to understand the potential tax implications of your estate.