Estate Planning Checklist: Where to Start
A practical guide to organizing your affairs and taking the first steps toward creating a comprehensive estate plan.
Key Points
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or elderly.
Every adult should have certain core estate planning documents.
Estate planning is about protecting yourself during life as well as your loved ones after death.
Gathering information before meeting with an attorney can save time and reduce costs.
Estate planning should be reviewed periodically as your life changes.
Introduction
Estate planning can seem overwhelming.
Many people know they "should" have an estate plan but are unsure where to begin. They may assume they need to gather stacks of paperwork, understand complicated legal concepts, or make every decision before meeting with an attorney.
Fortunately, that's usually not the case.
A little preparation can go a long way.
This checklist is designed to help you organize your thoughts, identify the information that may be needed, and begin the estate planning process with confidence.
Step 1 – Think About Your Goals
Before focusing on legal documents, think about what you want your estate plan to accomplish.
Consider questions such as:
Who should receive your property?
Who would care for your minor children?
Who should manage your finances if you cannot?
Who should make medical decisions for you?
Are there family members with special needs?
Do you own a business?
Would you like to avoid probate if practical?
Are there charitable organizations you wish to support?
There are no right or wrong answers.
Your estate plan should reflect your goals, values, and family circumstances.
Step 2 – Make a List of Your Assets
You do not need exact values, but having a general inventory is helpful.
Real estate
Bank accounts
Investment accounts
Retirement accounts
Life insurance
Business interests
Vehicles
Personal property
Digital assets
Cryptocurrency (if applicable)
Remember that estate planning is affected not only by what you own, but also how you own it.
Step 3 – Review How Your Assets Are Titled
Some assets may already pass automatically at death.
Examples include:
Jointly owned property with rights of survivorship
Retirement accounts with beneficiary designations
Life insurance with named beneficiaries
Assets owned by a revocable living trust
Understanding how your assets are titled helps determine what may pass through probate and what may not.
Step 4 – Choose the People You Trust
One of the most important parts of estate planning is deciding who should serve in key roles.
For each role, consider the first, second, and possibly third person you would choose.
Personal Representative
Successor Trustee
Financial Agent (Financial Power of Attorney)
Patient Advocate
Guardian for Minor Children
Conservator for Minor Children (if applicable)
Also consider naming one or more backup choices.
Step 5 – Gather Basic Information
It is often helpful to bring:
Names and contact information for family members
Names and contact information for proposed fiduciaries
Existing estate planning documents
Deeds
Business ownership information
Recent account statements (optional)
List of major assets
Questions you want answered
You do not need perfect records before scheduling a consultation.
Step 6 – Understand the Core Documents
For many Michigan families, a comprehensive estate plan may include:
Revocable Living Trust
Pour-Over Will
Financial Power of Attorney
Patient Advocate Designation
Certificate of Trust
Trust funding documents
Deeds
Business assignments
Beneficiary designation review
The documents appropriate for you depend on your circumstances.
Step 7 – Keep Your Plan Updated
Estate planning is not a one-time event.
Review your plan after major life changes, including:
Marriage
Divorce
Birth or adoption
Death of a loved one
Moving to another state
Starting or selling a business
Significant changes in assets
Retirement
Even without major changes, reviewing your estate plan every few years is generally a good idea.
Common Misconceptions
I need to gather every document before meeting with an attorney.
Usually not.
A consultation often helps identify what information is needed. You may—but do not necessarily have to—bring documents to the initial meeting.
Estate planning is only for wealthy people.
No.
Every adult has decisions that someone may need to make during life or after death.
Once I sign my documents, I'm finished forever.
Usually not.
Estate plans should evolve as your family, assets, and goals change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first estate planning meeting?
A general list of your assets, your family information, any existing estate planning documents, and your questions are usually enough to begin.
Do I need to know whether I want a will or a trust before meeting an attorney?
No.
One purpose of the consultation is to help determine which planning tools best fit your goals.
How long does the estate planning process take?
That depends on the complexity of your estate and your goals.
Many estate plans can be completed in a matter of weeks, while more complex planning may take longer.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Whenever major life changes occur and periodically even if they do not.
[Website Editor Note: Insert the Estate Planning Timeline graphic here.]
Your Next Step
If you've completed the Estate Planning Foundations series, you've already taken an important first step toward protecting yourself and the people you care about.
Understanding how estate planning works makes it easier to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
You do not need to have every answer before beginning the estate planning process.
In fact, one of the purposes of meeting with an experienced estate planning attorney is to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and recommend the planning tools that best fit your unique circumstances.
The hardest part of estate planning is often getting started.
Once you take that first step, the process usually becomes much more manageable.
Estate planning isn't about having the most complicated documents or the largest estate.
It's about putting the right plan in place so the people you trust have the legal authority they need at the right time.
Whether your estate is simple or complex, creating a thoughtful estate plan can provide clarity, reduce uncertainty, protect the people you love, and give you greater peace of mind—both now and in the future.
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Estate Planning Checklist: Where to Start
About Jarrod Barron Law
Jarrod Barron Law helps Michigan individuals, families, and business owners make informed legal decisions through thoughtful, plain-English estate planning.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.