Problem: Want to Help Make the Transfer of Your Assets More Organized and Efficient for Your Loved Ones?
Solution: Use This Checklist to Ensure Your Estate Plan Is Current and Complete!
Estate Plan Review
1. Will:
A legal document that directs the disposition of certain assets at death and may address matters such as appointment of an executor and guardians for minor children. Assets governed by a will generally pass through probate, subject to applicable state law.
2. Living Trust:
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement used to hold and manage assets during life and provide for their disposition after death. Assets properly transferred to the trust generally may avoid probate. The grantor generally may amend or revoke the trust during life, subject to the trust’s terms and applicable law. The legal, tax, probate, and creditor-protection effects of a trust depend on its terms, how it is funded, and applicable law.
Note: A trust generally must be properly funded for it to govern particular assets. Funding methods vary by asset type and should be coordinated with legal, tax, and financial professionals.
3. Guardianship Designations:
Estate-planning documents may allow you to nominate guardians for minor children and address the care of dependents, subject to applicable state law and court approval.
4. Living Will:
A legal document that expresses certain health-care or end-of-life wishes if you are unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself.
5. Medical POA (Power of Attorney):
This is a legal document that gives another person the right to make medical decisions for you if unable to do so on your own.
6. Financial POA:
This is a legal document that grants an agent the right to make decisions about your property if you are unable to on your own.
7. Select an Estate Administrator:
The estate administrator or executor is generally responsible for administering the estate according to applicable law and estate documents. They may pay any debts and taxes on the estate, as well as distribute remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries.
8. Letter of Intent:
A letter of intent isn’t a legal document, rather, a letter to a loved one or executor of a Will that can contain last wishes or a personal message.
9. IRA Beneficiary:
Beneficiary designations generally control who receives IRA assets and allow assets to transfer outside of probate.
10. Life Insurance:
Designates who will receive the policy’s death benefit. This generally transfers directly to the beneficiary outside of probate after you pass away.
Updated: 8/28/2026
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Disclosures: Information contained herein is intended for informational, illustrative and/or educational use only and not designed to be a recommendation for any specific investment product, strategy, plan feature or other purpose nor shall it be construed to be the provision of individualized investment, tax or legal advice. Endowment Wealth Management, Inc. (“EWM”) is not soliciting or recommending any action based on this material. This is neither an offer nor a solicitation to buy/or sell securities in any state or jurisdiction where EWM is not registered, or notice filed and does not qualify for an exemption from such registration and notice filing requirements. Prior to making any investment or financial decisions, an investor should seek individualized advice from a personal financial, legal, tax and other professional advisors that consider all of the particular facts and circumstances of the investor’s own situation. All investments involve risk and potential loss of capital and, unless otherwise stated, are not insured or guaranteed.
The information is based on sources believed to be reliable and is current as of the date of publication. Applicable laws, regulations, rules, and requirements are subject to change. Reliance upon any information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Content is subject to change without notice.
This material is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. It is intended to promote general awareness of estate-planning concepts and should not be construed as individualized investment, legal, accounting, or tax advice. Estate-planning, probate, trust, and tax outcomes vary based on individual circumstances and applicable federal and state law. Readers should consult their attorney, CPA, tax professional, and other qualified advisors before taking any action based on this information.
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