Legacy Planning Checklist
A good legacy plan isn't about death — it's about making things easier for the people you love.
The documents
- Will — who gets what, and who's in charge.
- Revocable living trust — avoids probate for the assets you title into it.
- Durable power of attorney — someone can pay your bills and manage money if you can't.
- Healthcare power of attorney & living will — medical decisions and end-of-life wishes.
- HIPAA release — doctors can talk to the people you name.
The designations (this is where most plans break)
Beneficiary designations on IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance, and annuities override your will. Every one. Check them.
- Primary and contingent beneficiary on every retirement account
- Life insurance and annuity beneficiaries
- Bank & brokerage "Transfer on Death" / "Payable on Death"
- Deed on real estate (JTWROS, beneficiary deed where allowed)
The conversations
- Where the documents are — physically and digitally.
- Who your executor and trustees are — and that they've agreed.
- A list of accounts, insurance policies, and passwords.
- Your wishes on funeral, burial, and what to do with the house.
You remarried and never updated the 401(k)
I've seen it more than once. Ex-spouse still listed as primary beneficiary from 20 years ago. The will says one thing, the account pays the other. The account wins. Ten minutes of paperwork prevents years of family pain.
Ask Ebby what to prioritize
Tell me a little about your family and what's in place already. I'll tell you what's most important to fix first, and when it makes sense to see an estate attorney. No products, no sales pressure, no obligation.
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