Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s about making sure the right people can help you if something happens—and reducing confusion, delays, and conflict for your family.
This post covers 12 common estate planning documents and decisions to review this year, plus a practical checklist of what to gather before you meet with an attorney.
1) A will (and who it actually protects)
A will can:
- Name who receives certain assets
- Name a guardian for minor children
- Name an executor to handle your estate
If you have minor children, a will is often a foundational step.
2) A revocable living trust (when it’s worth discussing)
A trust may help:
- Manage assets during incapacity
- Provide privacy (in some situations)
- Reduce probate-related delays
Trusts are not one-size-fits-all. The right structure depends on your goals and assets.
3) Beneficiary designations
Many assets pass by beneficiary designation, not by will.
Examples:
- Life insurance
- Retirement accounts
- Some bank accounts
Review beneficiaries after major life events.
4) Powers of attorney (financial)
A financial power of attorney lets someone handle financial matters if you can’t.
5) Health care power of attorney
This names someone to make medical decisions if you’re unable.
6) HIPAA authorization
This allows your chosen people to access medical information.
7) Living will / advance directive
This documents your wishes about end-of-life care.
8) Guardianship planning for children
Think through:
- Primary guardian
- Backup guardian
- Practical considerations (school, location, values)
9) Digital assets plan
Consider how your family will access:
- Email accounts
- Photos
- Online banking
- Subscriptions
Use a secure password manager and share access instructions appropriately.
10) Real estate title review
How your home is titled can affect what happens at death.
11) Business succession planning
If you own a business, plan for:
- Who can sign checks
- Who can access accounts
- Who can run operations short-term
12) A “family information packet”
This is one of the most helpful things you can create.
Include:
- Key contacts
- Account list (not passwords)
- Insurance policies
- Location of original documents
What to gather before meeting an estate planning attorney
Checklist
- List of assets (home, accounts, retirement, insurance)
- Approximate balances
- Copies of deeds and insurance declarations
- Names/addresses of intended beneficiaries
- Names/ages of children
- Prior estate planning documents (if any)
- Questions/concerns (blended family, special needs, Medicaid planning)
Call to action
If you’ve been meaning to get your estate plan in order—or it’s been years since you reviewed it—Get a free case evaluation with Ginsburg Law Group, PC. We’ll help you understand which documents fit your goals and what information to bring so the process is as efficient as possible.
