Get peace of mind with our comprehensive End-of-Life Planning Template, offering a clear map for estate management, healthcare decisions, and post-death arrangements.
1
Identify an Executor for Estate
2
Create a Comprehensive Asset Inventory
3
Check and Update Beneficiary Designations
4
Consider and Provide for Long-Term Care
5
Prepare a Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney
6
Approval: Family Choice on Durable Power of Attorney
7
Specify Funeral Disposition Instructions
8
Compile a List of Digital Assets and Passwords
9
Plan for Business Succession if Applicable
10
Review, Update and Finalize the Estate Plan
11
Approval: Estate Plan by Attorney
12
Set-up a Trust if Necessary
13
Consider Purchasing a Life Insurance Policy
14
Plan for Debt Management and Taxes Post Death
15
Secure Safekeeping of Estate Planning Documents
16
Communicate the Plans with Family
17
Approval: Family Consensus on the Plan
18
Create Instructions for Final Illness/Death
19
Plan for Memorial or Funeral Service
20
Prepare a Statement of Desires or Ethical Will
Identify an Executor for Estate
Choose someone you trust to handle your estate after you pass away. The executor will be responsible for gathering and distributing your assets, paying off debts, and ensuring your final wishes are carried out. Think about who would be best suited for this role and discuss it with them.
Create a Comprehensive Asset Inventory
Compile a detailed list of all your assets, including bank accounts, investments, properties, vehicles, and valuable possessions. This will help your executor and beneficiaries understand the full extent of your estate. Additionally, consider including any debts or liabilities you have.
1
Mortgage
2
Credit card debt
3
Auto loan
4
Student loan
5
Other
Check and Update Beneficiary Designations
Review your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts. Ensure that the listed beneficiaries are still accurate and reflect your current wishes. Update any designations that are no longer valid or need to be changed.
1
401(k)
2
IRA
3
Pension
4
Annuity
5
Other
1
Term life insurance
2
Whole life insurance
3
Universal life insurance
4
Variable universal life insurance
5
Other
1
Bank accounts
2
Investment accounts
3
Health savings accounts
4
529 plans
5
Other
Consider and Provide for Long-Term Care
Think about your potential need for long-term care in the future. Consider the financial and healthcare implications of aging or developing a chronic illness. Determine if you have sufficient resources or insurance coverage to cover these expenses. If not, explore options for long-term care insurance or savings.
1
In-home care
2
Assisted living facility
3
Nursing home
4
Memory care facility
5
Other
1
Yes
2
No
Prepare a Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney
Draft a living will to express your desires regarding medical treatment in case you become incapacitated or unable to communicate. Choose a trusted person as your healthcare power of attorney to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. Discuss your wishes with this person and any specific treatments or interventions you want or don't want.
Approval: Family Choice on Durable Power of Attorney
Will be submitted for approval:
Create a Comprehensive Asset Inventory
Will be submitted
Check and Update Beneficiary Designations
Will be submitted
Consider and Provide for Long-Term Care
Will be submitted
Prepare a Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney
Will be submitted
Specify Funeral Disposition Instructions
Indicate your preferences for your funeral arrangements, including burial, cremation, or donation for scientific purposes. Provide details such as the desired location, type of service, and any specific requests or traditions you want to be followed. Communicate these wishes to those responsible for making arrangements.
Compile a List of Digital Assets and Passwords
Create a comprehensive list of your digital assets, including online accounts, social media profiles, email accounts, and any other digital content you want to be preserved or deleted. Include the necessary login credentials, passwords, and instructions for accessing these accounts. Safely store this information and provide a trusted person with access to it.
Plan for Business Succession if Applicable
If you own a business, consider how it will continue to operate or be transitioned after your death. Identify potential successors or partners who can take over the business. Determine the legal and financial implications of business succession and consult with professionals if needed.
Review, Update and Finalize the Estate Plan
Review your existing estate plan, including wills, trusts, and any other legal documents. Update them according to your current wishes and circumstances. Seek professional advice if necessary to ensure your estate plan is comprehensive and legally valid. Once finalized, securely store these documents and communicate their location to your executor or trusted individuals.
1
Will
2
Trust
3
Both
1
Executor
2
Spouse/Partner
3
Family Member
4
Attorney
5
Other
Approval: Estate Plan by Attorney
Will be submitted for approval:
Review, Update and Finalize the Estate Plan
Will be submitted
Set-up a Trust if Necessary
Consider establishing a trust to protect and distribute your assets according to your wishes. Determine if a trust is appropriate for your situation and consult with professionals to understand the different types of trusts and their implications. If you decide to establish a trust, allocate the assets you want to include and select a trustee.
1
Revocable Living Trust
2
Irrevocable Trust
3
Testamentary Trust
4
Special Needs Trust
5
Other
Consider Purchasing a Life Insurance Policy
Evaluate the need for life insurance coverage to provide financial support to your loved ones after your death. Determine the desired coverage amount and type of policy suitable for your circumstances. Research different insurance providers and policies to find the most appropriate option for your needs.
1
Term Life Insurance
2
Whole Life Insurance
3
Universal Life Insurance
4
Variable Universal Life Insurance
5
Other
Plan for Debt Management and Taxes Post Death
Consider how your debts and taxes will be managed after your death. Determine if you have sufficient assets to cover outstanding debts and related expenses. Consult with professionals to develop a plan for managing and resolving debts and fulfilling your tax obligations.
Secure Safekeeping of Estate Planning Documents
Ensure the secure storage and safekeeping of your estate planning documents. Consider using a safe deposit box, a home safe, or a trusted attorney or bank for storing important papers. Communicate the location and access details to your executor or trusted individuals.
1
Safe Deposit Box
2
Home Safe
3
Attorney/Bank
Communicate the Plans with Family
Openly discuss your end-of-life plans with your family members or loved ones. Share the decisions you have made regarding your assets, healthcare preferences, funeral arrangements, and any other important considerations. Encourage them to ask questions and engage in the discussion to ensure everyone understands your intentions.
1
Spouse/Partner
2
Children
3
Parents
4
Siblings
5
Other
Approval: Family Consensus on the Plan
Will be submitted for approval:
Specify Funeral Disposition Instructions
Will be submitted
Compile a List of Digital Assets and Passwords
Will be submitted
Plan for Business Succession if Applicable
Will be submitted
Review, Update and Finalize the Estate Plan
Will be submitted
Set-up a Trust if Necessary
Will be submitted
Consider Purchasing a Life Insurance Policy
Will be submitted
Plan for Debt Management and Taxes Post Death
Will be submitted
Secure Safekeeping of Estate Planning Documents
Will be submitted
Communicate the Plans with Family
Will be submitted
Create Instructions for Final Illness/Death
Prepare detailed instructions for your loved ones regarding your care and desires during your final illness or moments before death. Include specific wishes related to medical treatment, pain management, spiritual or religious practices, and any other preferences you have. Share these instructions with your healthcare power of attorney and trusted individuals.
Plan for Memorial or Funeral Service
Consider your preferences for a memorial or funeral service. Decide on the type of service, location, date, and any additional details you want to be included. Consult with loved ones or a funeral service provider to make appropriate arrangements and communicate your wishes to ensure they are carried out.
1
Memorial Service
2
Funeral Service
3
Celebration of Life
4
Other
Prepare a Statement of Desires or Ethical Will
Draft a statement of desires or an ethical will to articulate your values, morals, life lessons, and personal beliefs. This document serves as an opportunity to leave behind personal messages and guidance for your loved ones. Reflect on what you want to communicate and write it in a heartfelt and meaningful way.
