Download the Estate Planning Checklist

Most U.S. workers and retirees have enough financial assets, e.g.,  life insurance, annuities, 401K plans, and real estate or other property, to be considered an estate. Yet, according to Federal News Network, fewer than 50% of the people who should have an estate plan have one. 

An estate plan is a process by which you determine who is getting your assets as well as who will manage your assets if you cannot. To accomplish that, there are documents, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, in which you can direct how others will manage your assets during your life and after your death. In addition to the expected "estate planning" documents, often other documents you have will also impact your estate plan, such as beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement account as well as titling to property, including real estate and bank accounts.  

We've put together a checklist of the important issues and requirements that are essential to address in your estate plan.