Create your will: an estate planning checklist

Important Information: This resource is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, financial, or estate planning advice. Estate planning laws and requirements vary by state and individual circumstances. Individuals should consult their own qualified legal, tax, financial, and other professional advisors before creating, modifying, executing, or relying on any estate planning document.

Estate planning is a meaningful way to organize your wishes and provide for the people and causes important to you. This checklist is designed to help you gather information that may be useful as you consider wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, charitable gifts, and/or other planning options.  It is not intended to provide legal advice or address every circumstance.  Estate planning needs vary based on an individual's goals, assets, family situation, and applicable state law. If you are already working with a professional estate or financial planner or plan to in the future, this checklist may help you prepare for those conversations.

Estate planning discussions often begin with a general summary of assets, accounts, property interests, and personal information. The categories below are examples of information that may be discussed during a consultation with a professional advisor or otherwise considered when establishing an estate plan.

1. Assets and Ownership Interests

Information often considered during estate planning may include a summary of assets and ownership interests, such as:

• House and/or other real estate
• Bank accounts
• Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
• Investment accounts
• Digital asset
• Life insurance policies
• Vehicles
• Personal items (jewelry, collections, family heirlooms) 

Having your paperwork handy can help move things along. Information commonly reviewed during estate planning discussions may include:

• Property deeds
• Insurance policy information
• Account numbers (banks, investment portfolios) and current titling and beneficiary designations
• Documentation relating to any prior marital dissolution or custody arrangement
• Funeral plans or burial plot information
• Information for important contacts like your lawyer, financial advisor, accountant or insurance agent

2. Beneficiaries

Estate planning documents often identify specifically the individuals, charities, trusts, or other entities that may receive property upon death.  Information commonly considered includes:

• Who may receive specific assets
• Whether assets are distributed equally or by specific percentages
• Whether alternate or contingent beneficiaries should be identified
• How any remaining assets may be distributed

3. Executor or Personal Representative

Most wills identify an executor or personal representative who is responsible for administering the estate. Individuals often consider whether an alternate executor should also be named if the primary person is unable or unwilling to serve.

4. Minor Children, Dependents and Pets.

For individuals with minor children, dependents, or pets, estate planning discussions may include identifying who would provide care in the future. State laws and individual circumstances may affect how these decisions are documented.

5. Special Requests and Personal Preferences

Some estate planning documents may reference personal preferences, although treatment of such requests varies by state and by document type. Examples may include:

• Funeral or memorial preferences
• Pet care considerations
• Charitable gifts
• Personal messages to family/friends

6. Creating and Signing Estate Planning Documents

Requirements for wills vary significantly by state. Individuals may choose to work with an attorney, use an online planning service, or explore other available options. Because execution requirements differ by jurisdiction and circumstances, individuals should consult qualified legal counsel or review applicable state law before relying on any estate planning document.

Important: Requirements relating to witnesses, notarization, electronic wills, and document execution differ by state and may change over time.

7. Storing Important Documents

Individuals commonly consider where estate planning documents will be stored and who should know how to locate them when needed. Storage options vary based on personal preference and circumstances.

8. Reviewing an Estate Plan

Life happens, and things change. Estate plans are often reviewed when significant personal, family, financial, or legal changes occur. Examples may include:

• Marriage or divorce
• The birth or adoption of a child
• Significant changes to assets
• Relocation to another state
• Death of a named fiduciary (executor/trustee) or beneficiary

9. Considering a Charitable Gift? 

Some individuals choose to include charitable organizations in their wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, or other estate planning arrangements. Decisions regarding charitable gifts should be made in consultation with a donor's professional advisors and in light of the donor's personal, family, and financial objectives. St. Jude does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice.

This checklist is intended to support informed conversations with qualified advisors so individuals can make estate planning decisions that reflect their wishes, circumstances, and applicable law.