will.com / Estate planning checklist
Estate planning checklist
A complete estate plan is more than a will. Here’s everything to have in place — and the tools to get there.
Last will and testament
Start hereNames who inherits your assets, who raises your minor children, and who manages your estate. The foundation of any estate plan.
- Names an executor to manage your estate
- Names a guardian for minor children (if applicable)
- Names primary and alternate beneficiaries
- Addresses specific gifts or property
- Signed in front of two witnesses
- Stored somewhere your executor can find it
Beneficiary designations
CriticalYour IRA, 401(k), and life insurance policies transfer directly to whoever is named — completely bypassing your will. These designations override everything.
- Life insurance: primary and contingent beneficiary named
- IRA / Roth IRA: beneficiary reviewed and current
- 401(k) or 403(b): beneficiary reviewed and current
- Bank accounts: POD (payable on death) designation added
- Brokerage accounts: TOD (transfer on death) designation added
Power of attorney
ImportantAuthorizes someone you trust to manage your finances and make medical decisions if you're incapacitated. Without it, a court appoints someone — not necessarily who you'd choose.
- Durable financial power of attorney signed
- Healthcare power of attorney (medical proxy) signed
- Advance directive / living will documents your medical wishes
- Agent knows where the documents are stored
Digital assets
ImportantEmail accounts, photos, cryptocurrency, social profiles, and subscriptions don't pass through a will automatically. Each platform has its own rules.
- Google Inactive Account Manager configured
- Apple Digital Legacy contact added
- Facebook Legacy Contact set
- Cryptocurrency: private keys / seed phrases documented securely
- Password manager in use, access documented for executor
- Domain names and websites: ownership transfer planned
Letter of instruction
RecommendedA private companion to your will — not a legal document, but often more practically useful. Tells your executor where everything is and what you want done.
- Lists all financial accounts and locations
- Documents digital account access (password manager, etc.)
- Names key contacts: attorney, accountant, financial advisor
- Covers funeral and burial preferences
- Notes location of important documents (will, deeds, titles, insurance)
- Includes guidance for pet care if applicable
Review and update
OngoingEstate plans go stale. Review yours after any major life event and at minimum every few years.
- Review after marriage or divorce
- Review after birth or adoption of a child
- Review after death of a beneficiary, executor, or guardian
- Review after moving to a different state
- Review after significant change in assets
- Review every 3–5 years even if nothing major has changed