Estate Planning Checklist: Protect Your Legacy and Your Loved Ones
October 30, 2025
- Mallory C. Vincelli
Creating or updating your estate plan ensures that your assets, health and legacy are managed according to your wishes. In recognition of National Estate Planning Awareness Month, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Mac McLean shared insights in a recent blog on the essential estate planning documents everyone should consider. To help you become more familiar with the key documents and decisions to discuss with your estate planning attorney, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s Mallory Vincelli has prepared the following estate planning checklist.
1. Core Estate Planning Documents
You should consider having these foundational documents in place:
Compile a clear record of your assets and obligations:
For higher-net-worth individuals, consider additional planning tools:
Ensure your estate plan is complete and accessible:
You should consider having these foundational documents in place:
- Last Will and Testament: Specifies how your probate assets will be distributed after your death and names your Personal Representative and guardians for minor children.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone you trust to manage your financial and legal affairs if you are unable to.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy): Appoints a trusted person to make medical decisions if you are incapacitated.
- Living Will (Advance Directive): Outlines your preferences for end-of-life care and medical treatment.
- Revocable Living Trust: Provides for efficient transfer of assets, avoids probate and offers management continuity if you become incapacitated.
Compile a clear record of your assets and obligations:
- Bank accounts (checking, savings, money markets)
- Investment and brokerage accounts
- Retirement plans (401(k), IRA, pensions)
- Real estate deeds
- Business ownership interests
- Life insurance and annuity policies
- Digital assets (online accounts, cryptocurrency, intellectual property)
- Outstanding debts, loans or credit obligations
Tip: Keep this information organized in a secure folder or encrypted digital vault that your Personal Representative or trustee can access when needed.
3. Family & Beneficiary Planning
Confirm that your designations reflect your current wishes:
- Review and update beneficiary designations on all financial and insurance accounts.
- Name guardians for any minor or dependent children.
- Identify trustees or successor trustees for any established trusts.
- Decide on personal property distribution (family heirlooms, collectibles, etc.).
- Discuss your wishes with key family members to prevent misunderstandings later.
For higher-net-worth individuals, consider additional planning tools:
- Evaluate lifetime gifting strategies to reduce estate taxes.
- Consider irrevocable trusts for asset protection and tax efficiency.
- Explore charitable giving vehicles (charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds).
- Review business succession plans if you own a closely held business.
- Revisit your plan annually or after major life or tax law changes.
Ensure your estate plan is complete and accessible:
- Store original documents in a secure, fireproof location.
- Provide copies to your Personal Representative, trustee and healthcare agents.
- Maintain an updated list of passwords, contacts and advisors.
- Communicate your wishes to family and fiduciaries to minimize confusion.
- Schedule a review with your estate planning attorney every 2–3 years.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your estate plan is more than paperwork; it’s peace of mind for you and those you love.
Contact Mallory Vincelli or a member of HSB’s Trust and Estates team to discuss your estate planning goals and develop a plan tailored to protect your family, assets and legacy.
Click here to download the Estate Planning Checklist.
