Estate Planning Checklist
August is a Great Time to Review Your Estate Plan
Estate planning isn't just about preparing for the future—it's about making sure your wishes are clearly documented and that the people you care about are protected.
Even if you've already created an estate plan, it's important to review it periodically, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, retirement, or the loss of a loved one.
Use this checklist as a starting point to ensure your plan is still aligned with your goals.
□ Last Will and Testament
Is your will up to date?
Does it reflect your current wishes?
Have you named the appropriate executor and guardians (if applicable)?
□ Trust Documents
If you have a trust, has it been reviewed recently?
Are your assets properly titled in the trust?
Do the trustees you've selected still make sense?
□ Beneficiary Designations
Review the beneficiaries on:
Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.)
Life insurance policies
Annuities
Transfer-on-Death (TOD) and Payable-on-Death (POD) accounts
Remember: Beneficiary designations generally override what is written in your will.
□ Durable Power of Attorney
Have you designated someone you trust to handle financial matters if you're unable to do so?
Is this document current?
□ Health Care Power of Attorney
Have you appointed someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if needed?
Have you discussed your wishes with that person?
□ Advance Health Care Directive (Living Will)
Does it clearly communicate your preferences for medical care?
Have you shared it with your loved ones and healthcare providers?
□ Guardianship Designations
If you have minor children:
Have you named guardians?
Is this designation still appropriate?
□ Asset Inventory
Do you have a current list of your accounts, investments, insurance policies, and important documents?
Would your loved ones know where to find this information?
□ Digital Assets
Have you documented important online accounts and passwords?
Have you designated someone to manage your digital assets if necessary?
□ Review After Major Life Events
Consider updating your estate plan if you've recently experienced:
Marriage or divorce
Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
Death of a spouse or beneficiary
Retirement
Sale or purchase of significant assets
Relocation to another state
Changes in your financial goals
A Final Thought
Estate planning isn't a one-time task—it's an important part of your overall financial plan. Reviewing your documents every few years, or after significant life changes, can help ensure your wishes are carried out and provide confidence for you and your loved ones.
If you have questions about how your estate plan fits into your overall financial strategy, we're always happy to have that conversation. We can also work alongside your attorney and tax professional to help ensure all aspects of your plan are aligned.