47-Point Family Estate Readiness Checklist
A comprehensive checklist to ensure your family is prepared for estate settlement. Covers documents, accounts, contacts, and practical steps to avoid probate delays and family conflicts.
Why This Checklist Matters
Most families spend 9-18 months settling an estate. With proper preparation, you can reduce this to 3-6 months and avoid 80% of common family conflicts. This checklist covers everything your executor will need.
Part 1: Essential Documents (Points 1-15)
Must-Have Originals
- 1Will or Trust - Original, signed, witnessed, notarized
- 2Durable Power of Attorney - For financial decisions
- 3Healthcare Power of Attorney - For medical decisions
- 4Living Will/Advance Directive - End-of-life wishes
- 5Birth Certificate - Original or certified copy
- 6Marriage Certificate - If applicable
- 7Divorce Decree - If applicable
- 8Social Security Card - Original
- 9Military Discharge Papers - DD-214 if veteran
- 10Property Deeds/Titles - Home, vehicles, land
- 11Stock/Bond Certificates - Physical certificates if any
- 12Business Documents - Partnership agreements, LLC papers
- 13Loan Documents - Mortgages, personal loans owed/to you
- 14Insurance Policies - Life, health, property, auto
- 15Tax Returns - Last 7 years (IRS requirement)
Part 2: Financial Accounts (Points 16-30)
Account Access Information
- 16Bank Accounts - Checking, savings, CDs, account numbers
- 17Investment Accounts - Brokerage, 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA
- 18Retirement Accounts - Pension, annuity information
- 19Credit Cards - All accounts, balances, payment info
- 20Loan Accounts - Personal, auto, student loans
- 21Safe Deposit Box - Location, key, contents list
- 22Digital Assets - Crypto wallets, PayPal, Venmo
- 23Subscription Services - Monthly/annual renewals
- 24Utility Accounts - Electric, water, gas, internet
- 25Memberships - Clubs, associations, gyms
- 26Online Accounts - Email, social media, cloud storage
- 27Bill Payment Schedule - What's due when, auto-pay info
- 28Debtors List - People/businesses who owe you money
- 29Creditors List - Who you owe money to
- 30Password Manager - Master password or access method
Part 3: Contacts & Professionals (Points 31-40)
Who to Contact
- 31Executor/Trustee - Name, contact, acceptance confirmation
- 32Attorney - Estate planning or general counsel
- 33Accountant/CPA - For tax preparation
- 34Financial Advisor - Investment management
- 35Insurance Agent - Life/property insurance
- 36Doctor(s) - Primary care and specialists
- 37Funeral Home - Pre-arrangements if any
- 38Clergy/Spiritual Advisor - If applicable
- 39Employer/HR Department - Benefits, retirement
- 40Family/Friends - Key people to notify
Part 4: Final Arrangements & Wishes (Points 41-47)
Personal Wishes
- 41Funeral/Memorial Preferences - Burial, cremation, service details
- 42Obituary Information - Biography, photos, accomplishments
- 43Organ Donation - Registration, preferences
- 44Body/Organ Donation - Medical school or research
- 45Pet Care Instructions - Who will care for pets
- 46Personal Property Distribution - Specific items to specific people
- 47Digital Legacy - Social media memorialization, account closure
Checklist Completion Guide
- Start with Part 1 - Gather all essential documents first
- Create a master binder - Physical or digital, with all information
- Review annually - Update during tax season or birthday
- Share with executor - Don't wait until it's needed
- Store securely - Fireproof safe or encrypted digital storage
Common Mistakes to Avoid
What Most People Do Wrong
- • Keep documents in different locations
- • Forget digital assets and passwords
- • Don't update beneficiary designations
- • Assume family knows their wishes
- • Wait until health crisis to organize
What to Do Instead
- • Single secure location for all documents
- • Digital asset inventory with access instructions
- • Annual beneficiary review (especially after life changes)
- • Written instructions and conversations with family
- • Start now, regardless of age or health
Need Help Getting Started?
Download our free printable PDF checklist and estate planning workbook.
Download Free Checklist PDFIncludes all 47 points with fillable fields and organization tips.
About the Author
This checklist was compiled by the team at PlanYourPassing.org, based on 20+ years of experience helping families navigate estate settlement. We've seen what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to preparing your family for the inevitable.
Remember: The best estate plan is one that's actually organized and accessible to your loved ones. This checklist is your first step toward peace of mind.