Estate Planning Checklist: 10 Documents Every Adult Should Review
Estate planning isn’t just for retirees or wealthy families—it’s for every adult. Whether you’re just starting your career, raising a family, or preparing for retirement, having the right legal documents in place can help protect your wishes and reduce stress for your loved ones.
Use this checklist to review your current estate plan and identify areas you may want to discuss with a qualified estate planning attorney.
1. Last Will and Testament
A will outlines how you want your property distributed after your death. It can also:
* Nominate a guardian for minor children.
* Name a personal representative (executor).
* Express your wishes for distributing personal belongings.
If you already have a will, review it after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the purchase of significant assets.
2. Revocable Living Trust (If Appropriate)
A revocable living trust may help manage your assets during your lifetime and provide instructions for their management after your death.
Depending on your circumstances, a trust may also help simplify the transfer of assets that have been properly titled in the trust.
Remember that creating a trust is only part of the process—it generally must also be properly funded.
3. Durable Financial Power of Attorney
This document allows someone you trust to handle financial matters if you become unable to manage them yourself.
Depending on its terms, your agent may be able to:
* Pay bills
* Manage bank accounts
* Handle investments
* Conduct real estate transactions
* Manage certain business affairs
4. Healthcare Power of Attorney
A healthcare power of attorney authorizes someone you trust to make medical decisions if you cannot communicate your wishes.
Choosing this person in advance can help reduce uncertainty during a medical emergency.
5. Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will)
An advance healthcare directive communicates your preferences for certain medical treatments if you become unable to make or express healthcare decisions.
This document can provide valuable guidance to your family and healthcare providers.
6. Beneficiary Designations
Many assets pass directly to named beneficiaries rather than through your will.
Review the beneficiaries on:
* Life insurance policies
* Retirement accounts
* Payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts
* Transfer-on-death (TOD) investment accounts
Keep these designations current, especially after major life events.
7. Guardianship Designations for Minor Children
If you have young children, your estate plan should include your preferred guardian if you and the other parent are unable to care for them.
Without this guidance, a court will decide who should serve.
8. Asset Inventory
Create and regularly update a list of your:
* Bank accounts
* Investment accounts
* Real estate
* Vehicles
* Business interests
* Life insurance policies
* Valuable personal property
* Digital assets
An organized inventory can make estate administration much easier for your loved ones.
9. Digital Estate Plan
Your online life is part of your legacy.
Consider creating a secure record of:
* Important online accounts
* Password management instructions
* Social media preferences
* Digital photo and document storage
* Cryptocurrency or other digital assets, if applicable
Store sensitive information securely rather than including passwords directly in your will.
10. Funeral and Final Wishes
While these instructions may not always be legally binding if placed only in a will, documenting your preferences and sharing them with your family can reduce uncertainty during an emotional time.
You may wish to include:
* Burial or cremation preferences
* Memorial service wishes
* Organ donation preferences
* Important personal contacts
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
Review your estate planning documents whenever you experience a major life change, including:
* Marriage or divorce
* Birth or adoption of a child
* Death of a spouse or beneficiary
* Buying or selling a home
* Starting or selling a business
* Retirement
* Moving to another state
* Significant changes in your financial situation
Even without major changes, many attorneys recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years.
The Role of a Notary
Many estate planning documents require notarization or include notarized components. A mobile notary verifies identity, confirms the signer is acting willingly, and completes the required notarial certificate in accordance with state law.
A notary does not provide legal advice, draft legal documents (unless separately authorized by law), or recommend which estate planning documents someone should use.
Final Thoughts
Estate planning is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. A thoughtful plan can provide clarity, reduce unnecessary delays, and ensure your wishes are documented.
Work with a qualified estate planning attorney to create or update your plan, and review it regularly as your life changes.
When your documents are ready, Legacy Signing Services LLC proudly provides professional mobile notarization services for wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and other estate planning documents throughout Northeast Mississippi.
Secure your legacy, one signature at a time.
Need your estate planning documents notarized? Legacy Signing Services LLC provides professional mobile notarization services for wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents throughout Northeast Mississippi. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
