Estate Planning Clarity Checklist

Educational Purposes ONLY:

A Guide to Protecting Your Family, Your Values, and Your Legacy

This checklist isn’t just about documents.
It’s about peace of mind, clarity, and making sure your money continues to do good—long after you’re gone.

Take your time. The more honest and specific you are, the stronger your plan will be.

1. Start With the Big Picture (While You’re Alive & After You’re Gone)

☐ What do you want your money to do for you while you’re alive?
(Comfort, freedom, generosity, experiences, security, flexibility, impact, etc.)

☐ What do you want your money to do for your family after you’re gone?
(Security, opportunity, protection, education, stability, unity, peace)

☐ Are there specific dreams you have for your family or future generations?

2. Clarify Your Values & Legacy

☐ What core values helped you build this wealth?
(Discipline, faith, generosity, hard work, education, stewardship, integrity)

☐ How would you like those values instilled in the next generation?

☐ Are there causes, charities, ministries, or community impacts you care deeply about?

3. Be Honest About Your Concerns

The more specific you are here, the better your plan can protect what matters.

☐ What are your big-picture concerns for your family after you’re gone?
(e.g., conflict, overspending, lack of direction, taxes, mismanagement)

☐ Do you have specific concerns for specific individuals?
(Children, stepchildren, spouses, grandchildren, or others)

☐ Are there people who may need:

• Guidance with money
• Protection from poor decisions
• Long-term support
• Special planning or structure

☐ Write them down—clarity leads to solutions.

4. Review ALL Non-Probate Accounts (Very Commonly Overlooked)

Any account that allows a beneficiary should be reviewed regularly.

☐ Life insurance policies
☐ 401(k)s and employer retirement plans
☐ IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs
☐ Investment accounts
☐ Bank accounts (checking, savings, money markets)

For every account, confirm:

• ☐ A primary beneficiary is listed
• ☐ A contingent beneficiary is listed
• ☐ Beneficiaries are still correct and up to date

☐ If you haven’t reviewed beneficiaries in the last few years—review them now

5. Review Probate Assets & Ownership

☐ Homes or real estate
☐ Vehicles
☐ Personal property (furniture, valuables, collectibles)
☐ Any newly acquired assets since your last review

☐ Have there been additions or changes that should be reflected in your plan?

6. Review Your Estate Planning Documents

☐ When was the last time your estate plan was reviewed?

☐ Do you currently have:

• ☐ Last Will and Testament
• ☐ Durable Power of Attorney (Financial)
• ☐ Medical Power of Attorney
• ☐ Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will)
• ☐ HIPAA Authorization

☐ Have there been any major life changes since these documents were created?

• Marriage or divorce
• Children or grandchildren
• Blended family changes
• Business ownership changes
• Significant asset growth

7. Do You Need a Trust? (Or Should You Revisit One?)

Ask yourself:
☐ Is my family situation unique or complex?
☐ Do I want to control how and when money is distributed?
☐ Do I want to protect beneficiaries from poor decisions?
☐ Do I have minor children, a blended family, or special needs concerns?
☐ Do I value privacy and efficiency?

☐ If you’re unsure, that’s normal—this is a conversation, not a guess.

8. Create a Plan—Not Just Documents

☐ Does your plan reflect your values, concerns, and intentions?
☐ Does it clearly protect the people you love most?
☐ Does it reduce confusion, conflict, and court involvement?

A good plan doesn’t just transfer money—it transfers peace.

9. Next Step: Get Personal Guidance

Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all.

☐ Schedule a conversation with Nick or Dan to:

• Review your checklist
• Identify gaps or risks
• Determine whether a trust is appropriate
• Align your financial plan with your family’s future

We want to be a part of your family’s long-term success—not just financially, but relationally and generationally.

The 7 Most Common Situations Where a Trust Is Especially Important

1. One Child Isn’t Good With Money

“I have four kids. Three are responsible. One struggles with spending.”

A trust allows you to:

• Control how much, when, and for what purpose money is distributed
• Prevent lump-sum mistakes
• Provide support without enabling poor decisions

2. Special Needs or Disabled Beneficiary

“I want to provide for my child without jeopardizing government benefits.”

A Special Needs Trust:

• Protects eligibility for Medicaid, SSI, and other benefits
• Allows funds to enhance quality of life, not replace assistance

3. Blended Family (Hers, Mine, and Ours)

“We both have kids from prior marriages, plus children together.”

A trust allows you to:

• Protect your spouse and ensure assets ultimately go to your children
• Prevent unintentional disinheritance
• Clearly define who receives what and when

4. Minor Children or Young Adults

“I don’t want my kids inheriting everything at 18.”

A trust can:

• Delay distributions until ages you choose (25, 30, 35, etc.)
• Tie distributions to milestones like education or responsibility

5. Business Ownership or Real Estate

“I own a business or multiple properties.”

A trust:

• Provides continuity
• Avoids forced sales
• Allows clear management and succession instructions

6. Privacy Is Important

“I don’t want my financial life becoming public record.”

A trust:

• Avoids probate
• Keeps family matters private
• Reduces legal delays and costs

7. Tax Planning or Asset Protection Concerns

“I want to reduce taxes or protect assets from lawsuits or creditors.”

Certain trusts can:

• Minimize estate taxes
• Shield assets
• Preserve wealth across generations