47-Point Family Estate Readiness Checklist
A comprehensive guide to ensure your family is prepared for estate planning, end-of-life decisions, and legacy preservation.
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Get instant access to our 47-point actionable checklist. Print it, share it with family, and work through each item systematically.
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PDF format • 12 pages • Printable • Shareable with family
What's Included in Your Checklist
Document Preparation
- +Will creation and updates
- +Living will and advance directives
- +Power of attorney documents
- +Healthcare proxy designation
Financial Planning
- +Beneficiary designations review
- +Debt and liability assessment
- +Insurance policy review
- +Retirement account planning
Complete 47-Point Checklist Preview
Essential Documents (Points 1-12)
- 1Created, signed, witnessed, and notarized
- 2Medical treatment preferences documented
- 3Financial decision authority assigned
- 4Medical decision authority assigned
- 5Medical information access permissions
- 6Preferences documented and shared
- 7Passwords, accounts, and access instructions
- 8Personal messages and funeral preferences
- 9If applicable, properly established
- 10If business owner, transition plan
- 11If applicable, current
- 12Minor children care arrangements
Financial Preparation (Points 13-24)
- 13All accounts reviewed and updated
- 14All debts documented with account numbers
- 15Real estate, vehicles, investments listed
- 16All accounts documented with locations
- 17401(k), IRA, pension details
- 18Brokerage, stock, bond details
- 19Life, health, disability, long-term care
- 20Ownership documents and valuation
- 21Last 7 years of returns available
- 22Location, key, and inventory
- 23Bitcoin, cryptocurrency access instructions
- 24Current living expenses documented
Property & Assets (Points 25-34)
- 25All properties with deed copies
- 26Current balances and lender info
- 27All vehicles with title copies
- 28High-value items documented
- 29Appraisals and photos
- 30Patents, trademarks, copyrights
- 31Lease agreements and tenant info
- 32Ownership documents and maintenance fees
- 33Location, contents, and payment info
- 34Farmland, livestock, equipment
Family & Relationships (Points 35-41)
- 37Immediate and extended family
- 38Attorney, accountant, financial planner
- 39Doctors, specialists, pharmacy
- 40Ceremony and ritual instructions
- 41Caregiver designation and funds
- 42Organizations and amounts
- 43If applicable, trust established
Final Arrangements (Points 42-47)
- 49Burial, cremation, or donation
- 50Location, format, and participants
- 51Key facts and photo selection
- 52Location and deed if purchased
- 53Design and inscription preferences
- 54Personal messages to loved ones
Important Notes
- •This checklist is a guide, not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for your specific situation.
- •Review and update your documents every 3-5 years or after major life events.
- •Store original documents in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box.
- •Share document locations with your executor and trusted family members.
- •Consider creating a "When I'm Gone" folder with all essential information.
Why This Checklist Matters
Avoid Probate Delays
Proper planning can save your family months of legal delays and thousands in court costs.
Reduce Family Stress
Clear instructions prevent conflicts and ensure your wishes are respected.
Protect Your Legacy
Ensure your assets go to the right people and your values are preserved.
Don't Leave Your Family Unprepared
This checklist took our team of estate planning experts 15+ years to develop. Get it today and give your family the gift of clarity and preparation.
No email required • Instant access • 100% free
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