People put off estate planning for all kinds of reasons. It’s not that they don’t care; it’s that the process can feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, confusing, or all of the above.
That’s why we put together this estate planning checklist: to help families focus on what actually matters and reduce some of the anxiety that often comes with the process.
Common Estate Planning Gaps Families Discover Too Late
Outdated Documents
Marriage, divorce, children, grandchildren, or changes in assets—these events make older documents inaccurate or ineffective. When life changes, so should your estate plan.
Missing Decision-Making Authority
Many people have a will but no power of attorney or healthcare directive. Without these, loved ones may not be able to step in when financial or medical decisions need to be made quickly but someone is unable to act on their own.
No Clear Asset List
Families are often surprised by how difficult it is to locate accounts, policies, or property when no organized list exists. This can slow everything down and add unnecessary stress.
Unintended Beneficiary Designations
Some assets do not follow your will or trust at all. Retirement accounts (like 401(k)s and IRAs) and life insurance policies pass directly to the person named on the account, no matter what your will or trust says.
If those designations aren’t reviewed and updated, assets can end up going to someone you never intended.
Essential Documents to Complete an Estate Plan
A solid estate planning strategy doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should include these core documents:
A Will
A will outlines how assets should be distributed and who should manage the estate. Even families with trusts still need a properly drafted will to avoid probate in California.
A Trust (When Appropriate)
Trusts can help avoid probate, provide privacy, and offer more control over how assets are distributed, especially for families with minor children, blended families, or complex assets.
Power of Attorney
This document allows someone you trust to handle financial matters if you’re unable to do so yourself.
Advance Healthcare Directive
A healthcare directive allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf and communicate your wishes if you can’t do so yourself.
An experienced estate planning lawyer can help determine which of these tools make sense for your specific situation and which ones may not be necessary.
What to Include in a Complete Asset Inventory
An asset inventory doesn’t need to be formal or complicated. It just needs to be clear. A good inventory typically includes:
- Bank and investment accounts
- Retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs, pensions)
- Life insurance policies
- Real estate
- Business interests
- Vehicles and valuable personal property
- Digital assets and online accounts
Include where each asset is held and who manages it. Avoid listing passwords directly; instead, note where secure access information can be found.
This simple step alone can make estate administration significantly easier for loved ones.
How to Store, Organize & Share Estate Planning Documents
An estate plan is only helpful if the right people can find it at the right time.
Families often run into issues when documents are scattered, stored too securely, or only one person knows where they are kept. Keeping things reasonably organized and making sure trusted individuals know where to look helps avoid confusion during already stressful moments.
We’re Here to Help You Plan Ahead
Estate planning doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. For more than 30 years, Brierton, Jones & Jones, LLP has helped families put clear, thoughtful plans in place and update them when circumstances change. If you’d like to talk through your situation or review existing documents, contact us today!