Where clients have minor children, we recommend that they review their selected guardian to confirm that the individual remains the best choice to care for the children if this becomes necessary. Clients must confirm these individuals are in a position to effectively carry out their duties under each document. We also recommend that clients review the individuals appointed as personal representatives, trustees, and agents to carry out various tasks in the estate planning documentation. 6) Personal Representatives, Trustees, and Agents – Where beneficiaries have been designated directly on bank accounts, brokerage accounts, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and the like, we recommend clients obtain written confirmation of the beneficiary designations and retain said written confirmation in their estate planning documentation. Births, deaths, marriages, and divorces may require updates to your estate planning documentation. We recommend reviewing your beneficiaries and determining how you’d like your assets to be distributed upon your passing. ![]() 5) Distribution of Assets and Beneficiaries – Make notes of any changes so you can be sure to discuss them with your qualified estate planning, wills, and trusts attorney. Oftentimes, shifts in family dynamics, such as deaths, births, marriages, and even divorces, require that estate planning documentation be updated. We recommend that you discuss your overall goals so your attorney can ensure these goals are addressed, and ultimately carried out with your estate plan. Your attorney can also verify that all documentation has been signed and is in conformity with laws surrounding the proper execution of each instrument. This documentation includes your Last wills and testaments, Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, Designation of Health Care Surrogate, Living Will, and Declaration of Pre-Need Guardian, just to name a few. 2) Legal Documentation –Īll estate planning documentation should be reviewed by a qualified wills and trusts attorney annually to ensure compliance with current laws and rules. ![]() Current information should be maintained and updated as necessary. You’ll want to verify contact information for parties and beneficiaries, and even details regarding your appointed personal representative, trustee, or agents, as something as simple as an agent moving out of state could impact your documentation. 1) Updated Information –Īll essential information in your estate plan should be kept up to date. We recommend that our clients revisit their estate plan annually to ensure it remains in line with their current circumstances and wishes, as life changes occur regularly.īelow you will find a checklist to assist your qualified estate planning, wills, and trusts attorney in guiding you through the process of reviewing your Comprehensive estate planning. ![]() Not only is gathering information in the initial phase of the development of your plan important, but it is also imperative to re-visit your estate plan regularly to ensure it will carry out your wishes in the face of life changes or uncertainties. “A well-designed, comprehensive estate plan requires gathering information and documentation prior to meeting with your qualified wills and trusts attorney.” Comprehensive Estate Planning Checklist 2024
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