Printable checklist
What to bring to your estate planning attorney
Your attorney's first meeting goes better when you bring the basics. Use this list to gather them. You won't have everything, and that's fine: bring what you have and note what's missing.
You and your family
- Full legal names and dates of birth for you and your spouse or partner
- Names and dates of birth of your children and grandchildren, including stepchildren
- A note about anyone who may need special care, such as a family member who receives disability benefits
- A prenuptial agreement or divorce settlement, if you have one
The people you'll name
- Who you'd like as executor (the person who carries out your will), plus a backup
- A guardian for any children under 18, plus a backup
- Who should handle your money if you can't (financial power of attorney)
- Who should make medical decisions if you can't (health care proxy)
- Their full names and contact details
What you own
- Deeds or addresses for your home and any other property
- The first page of a recent statement for each bank, investment and retirement account
- Life insurance policies and annuities, with who is named to receive them
- Papers for any business you own, including partner agreements
- A list of vehicles, valuables and important online accounts
What you owe
- Your mortgage and any home equity loan
- Car, student and personal loans, and credit cards
- Any loan you signed to guarantee for someone else
Papers you already have
- Your current will or trust, even if it's old
- Any power of attorney or health care directive
- Beneficiary forms for retirement accounts and insurance
- Your most recent tax return
Your wishes
- Who should receive what, and in what shares
- Any special gifts of items or money, and gifts to charity
- Who should look after your pets
- Your wishes for medical care at the end of life, and for your funeral
Your advisors
- Names and phone numbers for your financial advisor, accountant and insurance agent
Questions to ask your attorney
- What documents do you recommend for my situation, and why?
- How much will it cost, and what does that include?
- How long will it take?
- Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
- What do I need to do after the documents are signed?
- How often should I review my plan?
A note: every attorney works a little differently, and laws differ by state. Your attorney may ask for more, or less. This list is for getting organized; it isn't legal advice.
Published October 26, 2026 by EstatePlan Ready.
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