Estate Planning Checklist: 15 Steps Everyone Should Complete
Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy. If you have any assets, dependents, or people who rely on you, you need a plan. This checklist covers everything — from wills and trusts to digital assets and pet care.
Progress tip: You don't have to do all 15 steps at once. Start with steps 1, 3, 4, and 9 — those cover the essentials. Then work through the rest over time.
Create or update your will
Name who inherits your assets, who raises your children, and who manages the process (executor).
How to write a will →Consider a revocable living trust
If you own property in multiple states, want privacy, or want to avoid probate, a trust may be worth the investment.
Trust vs will comparison →Sign a durable financial power of attorney
Authorizes someone to manage your finances if you're incapacitated. Without one, your family needs a court order.
POA guide →Sign a healthcare power of attorney
Authorizes someone to make medical decisions if you can't speak for yourself. Different from a living will.
POA types explained →Create a living will / healthcare directive
Documents your wishes about life support, resuscitation, organ donation, and end-of-life care.
What is a healthcare directive? →Review all beneficiary designations
Check beneficiaries on life insurance, 401k, IRA, bank accounts, and annuities. These override your will.
Full document list →Get adequate life insurance
Enough to replace your income, pay off debts, and fund your children's education if applicable.
Get disability insurance
You're more likely to be disabled than to die young. Disability insurance replaces income if you can't work.
Document all accounts and assets
List every bank account, investment, property, vehicle, insurance policy, and debt — with account numbers and locations.
Do this in MyLifeLedger →Plan for digital assets
Email, social media, cloud storage, crypto, and online accounts. Document access instructions for each.
Digital estate guide →Create a pet plan
Name a pet guardian, document vet info, medications, feeding schedules, and set aside funds for care.
Pet planning guide →Organize important documents
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, Social Security cards, tax returns, deeds, and titles — all in one accessible place.
Document organization guide →Share your plan with trusted people
Tell your executor, healthcare agent, and financial POA where to find everything. Consider sharing access via MyLifeLedger.
How sharing works →Review and update annually
Life changes — marriage, divorce, births, deaths, moves, new assets. Review your plan at least once a year.
Have the conversation
Tell your family your wishes. The best plan in the world fails if nobody knows about it.
How to start the conversation →Related Guides
Complete step #9 right now.
MyLifeLedger walks you through documenting every account, policy, and document — section by section. Most people finish in under 60 minutes.
Start Your Ledger →$49/year • 30-day money-back guarantee