This printable checklist helps you get the right documents in place and align account titling and beneficiaries so your wishes are carried out. It includes what to gather, what to review, and when to update.
Educational only—not legal advice. Legal documents are drafted by your attorney.
This printable checklist helps you get the right documents in place and align account titling and beneficiaries so your wishes are carried out. It includes what to gather, what to review, and when to update.
Educational only—not legal advice. Legal documents are drafted by your attorney.
Instant download + email copy
Will, revocable living trust, POAs, advance directive, HIPAA release—what to consider.
TOD/POD, primary vs. contingent, per stirpes—align everything with your plan.
Retitle accounts and property so your trust actually controls what you intend.
IRAs/401(k)s, brokerage, bank, life insurance, annuities, HSA—specific reminders for each.
What to upload, who gets read-only access, and how to keep originals safe.
Life events that trigger reviews, plus routine 3–5 year checkups.
A preview of what to gather, review, and keep aligned.
Note: Legal documents are drafted by an attorney you engage under a separate agreement. We coordinate and prepare your checklist.
Review account titles (individual, joint-with-rights-of-survivorship, trust). Confirm primary and contingent beneficiaries everywhere—IRAs/401(k)s, brokerage/bank TOD/POD, life insurance/annuities.
Use per stirpes where appropriate to direct shares to a beneficiary's descendants if they predecease you. Make sure designations don't conflict with your will or trust instructions.
Update beneficiaries to the trust where appropriate (retirement accounts may have special considerations). Retitle non-retirement accounts and property per your attorney's instructions.
We help with Schwab paperwork and other custodian forms to complete the funding.
Get the complete guide with printable checklist
Download the GuideFor accounts with beneficiaries (IRAs/401(k)s, many brokerage/bank accounts with TOD/POD, life insurance), beneficiary designations generally control—not your will. We align designations with your will/trust to avoid conflicts that could frustrate your intentions.
No. An estate-planning attorney drafts legal documents under a separate engagement. We coordinate meetings, prep checklists, and help with trust funding and custodian forms. We can recommend attorneys if you need one.
Yes. We arrange notary/witnessing (in-office or mobile), help retitle accounts, update beneficiaries, and organize signed copies in your secure digital vault. Third-party notary/vendor fees are separate from our advisory fee.
Keep originals with you and/or your attorney. We store signed copies in an encrypted digital vault and can provide read-only access to your attorney/CPA at your direction. This ensures your team has what they need when they need it.
Review after any major life event (marriage, divorce, birth, death, move to new state, business changes). Even without life events, a routine review every 3–5 years catches outdated beneficiaries, state law changes, or shifts in your intentions.
Our checklist is a starting point. For help coordinating with your attorney, funding your trust, and aligning all your beneficiaries, schedule a 20-minute introductory call.
Or call us directly: (480) 597-1743
Instant download + email copy