Estate & Planning Checklist
One of the most loving things you can do for your family is plan ahead. Every item you complete is a weight lifted from the people you love.
This is a printable checklist
Print this page and fill it in by hand. Keep it with your important documents so your family has everything in one place.
These documents give your wishes legal standing and protect your family.
Create or update your will
High PriorityDefines how assets are distributed and names an executor
Create a durable power of attorney
High PriorityNames someone to make financial decisions if you become incapacitated
Create a healthcare power of attorney
High PriorityNames someone to make medical decisions on your behalf
Create a living will / advance directive
High PriorityDocuments your wishes for end-of-life medical care
Review and update all beneficiary designations
High PriorityLife insurance, IRAs, 401k — these override the will
Consider establishing a trust
If applicableUseful for avoiding probate or providing for a dependent
Store documents securely and tell someone where they are
Fireproof safe, attorney's office, or a trusted family member
Give copies to your executor and healthcare proxy
A complete picture of your financial life so nothing is overlooked.
List all bank and investment accounts
Account numbers, institutions, and how to access them
Document all retirement accounts
IRA, 401k, pension — include beneficiary designations for each
List all life insurance policies
Insurer, policy number, death benefit, and where to find the policy
Document final expense or burial insurance if applicable
List all debts and liabilities
Mortgage, car loans, credit cards, student loans
Document cryptocurrency or non-traditional assets
Wallet addresses and access — store separately and very securely
Insurance Quick Reference
Fill in your own information below for easy reference.
Often overlooked — and difficult for families to access without guidance.
Create a master list of important accounts and passwords
High PriorityStore securely — NOT in the will (wills become public record)
Document your email accounts and recovery options
Note your wishes for social media accounts
Facebook: memorialization or deletion. Instagram, LinkedIn: similar options.
Document cloud storage accounts
Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox — where photos and important files are stored
List domain names or websites you own
If applicableInclude hosting accounts and renewal dates
Set up emergency access in your password manager
1Password and Bitwarden both support emergency contact access
Document your wishes for digital legacy
What should be saved, deleted, or passed on to family
Recording these spares your family from having to guess.
Document burial or cremation preference
High PriorityNote preferred cemetery or disposition location
Specify type of service desired
Traditional, celebration of life, graveside only, or no service
List any religious or cultural traditions to observe
Name preferred music, readings, or speakers
Document charitable donation requests in lieu of flowers
Final Wishes — For Your Reference
Fill in below and keep with your important documents.
Traditional, celebration of life, graveside, or no service
Important Contacts
Where to Keep This Document
- Keep the original in a fireproof safe at home.
- Give a copy to your executor and to your attorney.
- Tell at least one trusted family member where it is.
- Review and update every 3–5 years, or after any major life event.
- Do NOT store passwords in a will — wills become public record. Keep a separate, secure document for that.
Create a free online memorial
A permanent space for photos, stories, and shared memories — beautifully designed and free to create at remembering.whopassedon.com