Last Will and Testament

Name guardians for all of your children and your pets. You must also decide where all of your assets will go. So whatever people or charities you wish to receive your assets. Then you must also name an executor that will carry out the terms of your will.
 

Revocable Living Trust

Make sure to include all personal assets in the trust and then name the beneficiaries you would like to receive those assets. Then, transfer all of your assets into the living trust, and name a successor trustee that will manage the trust when you pass away.
 

Beneficiary Designations

Name a beneficiary for all of the non-probate assets:
401(k) and IRA accounts, life insurance policies, and pensions
 

Advance Healthcare Directive

Whatever medical preferences you have can be outlined in your living trust. A healthcare agent can also be named that will make important medical decisions for you while you may be in a state where you cannot make those decisions. Giving someone the medical power of attorney can provide a decision maker to a person in a coma.
 

Financial Power of Attorney

A financial power of attorney is a way to select an agent that will act as you to make financial decisions for your benefit. You can also require that your agent donate a specific amount to charities.
 

Insurance Policies/Finance Info

Gather all of your financial documents: life, health, car, and home insurance policy documents. Then, create a list of all of your financial accounts and institutions. Making the list will help the trustee track down all of your financial accounts and ensure a smooth transition.
 

Proof of Identity Documents

Gather the following identification: Social Security Card; birth, marriage, and divorce certificates; and prenuptial agreements
 

Titles and Property Deeds

Gather all of the titles and deeds for your home, vehicles, and real estate. Then, retitle all of the property so that the trust is the owner instead of you.
 

Digital Logins and Passwords

Name a digital executor in your will. Then, create a list of all of your digital assets: bank & financial accounts, social media & email accounts, logins for streaming services, and digital files such as photos & documents.
 

Funeral Instructions

Create a list of your funeral preferences: burial or cremation, type of service, passages to read, preferred charitable donations, and if you would like flowers.