How to Get Your Comprehensive Estate Planning Checklist
Most of us have at least a few to-do lists that help us accomplish everyday tasks as well as long-term projects. Checklists are excellent for staying on track, and they aren’t just for do-it-yourself jobs. They can also be helpful for putting together your estate plan.
What’s In an Estate Planning Checklist?
There are several important tasks and items to consider when planning or settling an estate. However, it is easy to forget or overlook some of those elements. That’s why creating a comprehensive checklist can help you prepare for the inevitable and take many burdens off your loved ones’ shoulders.
The items on your estate planning checklist are topics you should discuss with your family. They emphasize the arrangements and actions you’ll need to protect your assets and family in the event of your death or incapacitation. For example, your plan should include arrangements for a Will or trust and a Living Will. Your checklist should also remind you to designate a power of attorney and determine the handling of assets like accounts, property, and investments after you’re gone.
Although components of a checklist vary depending on the person or nature of an estate, make sure you have action steps that address each of the following estate planning elements:
- Will and trust
- Power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney
- Living Will
- Owned property
- Checking and savings accounts
- Life insurance
- IRA or 401(k) plans
- Investments and investment accounts
Download a Checklist from Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller
If you are unsure what to include in your checklist, you can click on our checklist link to get started. This tool is beneficial if you don’t already have an estate plan or simply want to understand what’s involved in putting one together.
Even if you already have an estate plan, you can download the checklist to ensure you’ve covered all your bases. You can also use it to guide conversations with loved ones about to carry out your last wishes. We also invite you to use it to review and customize your plan as your needs change.
If you need legal help with your estate planning, contact our team at Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller. You can call our office today at 513.891.7087 or complete our online contact form to schedule an initial consultation or receive more information.