Estate Planning Information Checklist

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Sherrie Bennett

The information you collect before making a will saves time and, potentially, money.

  • Names and addresses of your immediate family members, other beneficiaries, and people you would like to serve as executors, trustees and guardians for your children
  • Bank account information, such as balances, account numbers, locations of accounts and safe deposit boxes
  • Pension and retirement account information, including IRAs, Keoghs, profit sharing plans, stock options and government benefits
  • Detailed description of any stocks and bonds owned, and the location where they're stored
  • Insurance policy information, including policy location and beneficiaries, as well as a copy of the actual policy
  • An inventory list of valuable and sentimental personal possessions, including family heirlooms
  • Copies of community property agreements, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, divorce decrees and any previous wills or will codicils
  • An overall description of your income sources and assets, including real estate
  • Information about any trusts you may have created or benefit from
  • A list of debts you owe, including amounts and to whom they are owed, as well as a list of debts that are owed to you
  • A list of specific "bequests" you want to make in your will, such as "$5,000 to my niece, Tipper"
  • Recent tax returns (from at least the past three or four years)
  • A list of any assets not included above

You may also wish to create a Living will or Power of Attorney document to include in your important document collection

Questions for Your Attorney

  • How do you charge for your services?
  • How can I reduce the taxes that my beneficiaries will owe after I die?
  • Do you see any potential problems with the bequests I want to make?
  • Have I made all of the necessary arrangements to take care of my young children?
  • How frequently should I update my will?

Related Resources on Lawyers.comsm
- Will Basics
- Executors
- Wills and Probate FAQ
- Types of Wills
- Beneficiaries in a Will
- Visit our Estates, Wills & Probate Message Board for more help

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