The complete estate planning checklist.

The five documents

A complete estate plan includes five core documents. You don’t need a sixth, and you shouldn’t pay for fewer.

1. Last Will and Testament — names guardians, beneficiaries, and your executor.
2. Living Trust (recommended for homeowners) — keeps your estate out of probate.
3. Power of Attorney — names who can manage your finances if you can’t.
4. Healthcare Directive — documents your medical wishes and names a healthcare agent.
5. HIPAA Authorization — lets the people you choose access your medical information.

The seven people you’ll name

• Executor — handles your estate after you pass.
• Successor trustee — manages your trust if you become incapacitated or after you pass.
• Power of Attorney — makes financial decisions if you can’t.
• Healthcare agent — makes medical decisions if you can’t.
• Guardian — for any minor children.
• Primary beneficiaries — receive your assets first.
• Contingent beneficiaries — receive your assets if your primary beneficiaries can’t.

The decisions you’ll make

• What happens to your home and other real estate
• How financial accounts pass to beneficiaries
• Who handles minor children, financially and physically
• Your wishes for end-of-life medical care
• Final arrangements (burial, cremation, services)
• Charitable gifts (if any)
• Specific items going to specific people

What to gather before you start

You don’t need any of this to begin — you can save and come back. But it’s helpful:

• A list of your assets (real estate, accounts, vehicles, valuables)
• The full legal names of your beneficiaries
• The full legal names of your decision-makers
• Any existing estate planning documents (if you’re updating)

What to do after your plan is finalized

1. Sign your documents per the instructions we send. Most need witnesses or a notary.
2. Store the originals in a fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or with your trustee.
3. Save digital copies in your secure hub.
4. Tell your decision-makers they’ve been named — and where to find the documents.
5. Update beneficiaries on existing accounts (retirement, life insurance) if your plan changes them.
6. If you have a living trust: fund it. Move your home and accounts into the trust’s name. We’ll send instructions.

When to update your plan

• You get married or divorced
• You have a child or your child becomes an adult
• You move to a new state
• You buy or sell a home
• A beneficiary or decision-maker passes
• Your finances change significantly
• Your wishes change

Your hub is built for this. Update anytime — no extra fee.