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Estate Planning Will Checklist

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ESTATE PLANNING WILL CHECKLIST

Purpose: This checklist collects information to assist in preparing a Last Will and Testament. Completion of this form is intended to provide accurate factual background for drafting a testamentary instrument. The preparer will rely on the statements below. This checklist does not itself constitute a will, trust, or legal advice.

Testator / Primary Information

Date of birth:    Place of birth:

Marital and Family Status

Marital status (check all that apply):

Are any children minors?

Existing Estate Documents

Do you have an existing will?

Other advance documents:

Executors, Guardians, and Trustees

Disposition of Property — Gifts and Beneficiaries

Specific gifts (identify property, beneficiary, and alternate beneficiary for each gift). Include real property addresses and account numbers where applicable:

Assets, Liabilities, and Business Interests

Practical Matters and Funeral Instructions

Funeral preference:

Organ donation:

Digital Assets and Security

Executor Powers and Clauses

Grant the executor the following powers (check all that apply):

No-contest clause desired:

Location of Original Will and Important Documents

Additional Provisions and Notes

Attorney / Preparer Information (if applicable)

Certification

I certify that the information provided on this checklist is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this checklist is preparatory information to be used by an attorney or preparer in drafting testamentary documents and does not itself create any legal transfer of property. I acknowledge I must execute a valid will in the required formalities for it to be effective.

Signature of person completing checklist

Printed Name:

Signature:

Date:

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What the Estate Planning Will Checklist Is

The Estate Planning Will Checklist is a structured guide that organizes the items, decisions, and documents needed to prepare a valid last will and testament or codicil. It helps you confirm identity information, beneficiaries, asset lists, burial and care instructions, executor and trustee designations, and witness or notarization requirements before signatures are finalized and stored for probate purposes.

Why a Checklist Improves Accuracy and Readiness

Using an Estate Planning Will Checklist reduces omissions, clarifies executor duties, and ensures required formalities (witnesses, notarization, self-proving affidavits) are addressed to reduce probate friction and disputes.

Why a Checklist Improves Accuracy and Readiness

Who Typically Completes the Estate Planning Will Checklist

The checklist is practical for anyone preparing or updating a will, plus the professionals who support them.

  • Individuals and families preparing a will who want to ensure all formalities and beneficiary details are correct before signing.
  • Executors, trustees, and designated personal representatives who use the checklist to confirm documents and locate supporting records after death or incapacity.
  • Estate attorneys, financial planners, and paralegals who use the checklist to standardize intake, reduce errors, and speed estate administration.

The checklist aligns lay users and advisers on required items and reduces common administrative delays during probate.

Core Components to Include in the Checklist

A professional checklist covers identity details, asset inventories, beneficiary designations, executor/trustee appointments, witness/notary steps, and supporting documents needed for probate.

Testator Identity

Full legal name, date of birth, and government ID details to match probate filings and reduce signature challenges during estate administration.

Executor / Trustee

Name alternate executors and trustees, provide contact details, and note successor order and any bond waivers or limitations.

Beneficiary Details

List beneficiaries with full names, relationship, birthdates where appropriate, and contingent beneficiaries to avoid intestacy gaps.

Asset Inventory

Detail bank accounts, real estate, retirement accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, business interests, and tangible personal property.

Formalities

Document witness count, notary/self-proving affidavit needs, and state-specific execution steps required for validity and simplified probate.

Supporting Papers

Attach deeds, account statements, beneficiary designations, prior wills, powers of attorney, and letters of instruction referenced in the will.

Essential Data Fields to Collect

Legal Name: Exact government name
Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY
Social Security: Last four digits preferred
Home Address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Executor Contact: Phone and email
Beneficiary Info: Name and relation

Step-by-Step: Using the Checklist to Draft or Update a Will

Follow a linear review: verify identity, list assets, name beneficiaries, appoint an executor, confirm witnesses, and arrange for notarization or self-proving affidavit.

  • 01
    Verify Identity: Confirm legal name and ID before preparing signature blocks.
  • 02
    Inventory Assets: List accounts, properties, and personal items with identifiers.
  • 03
    Designate Parties: Name primary and contingent beneficiaries and executors.
  • 04
    Complete Execution: Sign with required witnesses and complete any notarial or self-proving steps.

How to Configure an Online Checklist Workflow

Set fields, required validations, signer order, and storage options to ensure complete electronic or hybrid signing workflows.

Field Configuration
Required Fields Mark legal name, executor, beneficiary as required
Signature Order Set testator first, then witnesses, then notary
Authentication Enable email or SMS codes for signer attribution
Storage Save completed PDF with audit trail

Where to File or Send Completed Will Documents

After execution, distribute originals and certified copies to appropriate parties and file as required by local court rules for probate.

  • Attorney / Trust Officer: Deliver original will to your estate attorney or trustee for safekeeping.
  • Executor: Provide copy and location details to the named executor.
  • Safe Deposit / Home: Store the original in a secure location and note its place in the checklist.
  • Probate Court: File when initiating probate according to local court rules.

Key Timing Items to Track When Using the Checklist

Timing matters for document updates, probate initiation, and tax filings; add calendar reminders for signing, beneficiary updates, and tax deadlines.

When to Update:

Review and update your will after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, significant asset changes).

Probate Filing:

Probate filing windows vary by state; start the process promptly after death to meet local court rules.

Final Income Tax:

File the decedent's final Form 1040 by April 15 with the IRS for the tax year of death.

Estate Tax Return:

Federal Form 706 is generally due within nine months after death; extensions may be available.

Witnessing Date:

Execute with witnesses present on the same date; date of signature governs effective execution.

Typical Milestones From Drafting to Probate

A checklist helps map milestones; these stages track drafting, execution, storage, and probate initiation so nothing is overlooked.

01

Draft Complete

Will text and asset schedules finalized and reviewed by counsel.

02

Execution Event

Testator and witnesses sign; notary completed if self-proving affidavit used.

03

Document Storage

Original stored securely with executor and attorney advised of location.

04

Probate Initiation

Executor files petition with the probate court after testator's death.

Common Mistakes People Make on Will Checklists

  • Using informal names or nicknames instead of the testator's legal name causes identity disputes.
  • Failing to name contingent beneficiaries leaves assets subject to intestacy laws.
  • Omitting account identifiers or policy numbers forces account freezes and lengthy verification.
  • Assuming electronic execution is valid for wills when state law requires wet signatures.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Will Checklist

Invalid Will: May lead to intestacy
Probate Delay: Court delays and additional costs
Contested Estate: Litigation risk and legal expenses
Tax Exposure: Penalties or missed filings
Asset Loss: Misdirected distributions
Executor Burden: Increased administrative work

Digital Signing and Verification Options

Configure eSignature and storage tools to capture intent, attribution, and an audit trail suitable for your jurisdiction.

  • Authentication: Email or SMS code
  • Storage Formats: PDF/A with audit trail
  • Integrations: Cloud storage and document systems

Ensure the platform supports secure storage, tamper-evident copies, and the authentication level acceptable under state law.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Compare basic pricing and essential features relevant to executing and storing wills; signNow is placed first to align vendor comparisons.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Real-World Examples of Checklist Use

Organizations and small firms use checklists and structured eSign workflows to reduce errors and centralize executed wills and related documents.

Martin Properties — Founder

When closing estate-related transfers, the team standardized their execution checklist to ensure compliance and mobile signing.

  • Outcome: faster turnaround on documents.
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Fertility Centers of Illinois — Founder

Medical practice used an intake checklist to pair consent forms with estate directives and power of attorney documents.

  • Outcome: centralized records for continuity of care.
  • "The airSlate SignNow team has been exceptional, responsive, the API has been great, and we're extremely happy that we chose airSlate SignNow as a company."

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Apply consistent naming, validate beneficiary identifiers, and confirm witness availability before the execution date to reduce re-signing and court follow-up.

Use Exact Legal Names
Record full government names and avoid nicknames; confirm spelling and include middle names or suffixes to prevent identity confusion during probate and asset transfer.
Confirm Witness Availability
Arrange witnesses and the notary in advance, and document their contact information; simultaneous in-person witnessing simplifies later self-proving affidavits.
Attach Supporting Documents
Include account statements, deeds, and beneficiary forms referenced in the will to reduce verification time and limit the executor's need to gather documents under time pressure.
Store Originals Securely
Keep the original will in a secure location and notify executors; consider attorney custody or locked safe deposit with an access plan to avoid lost or inaccessible originals.

Who Has Authority to Sign and Witness

Testator

The person making the will must have testamentary capacity and sign voluntarily; the signature must match the name used throughout the document to ensure enforceability and avoid identity challenges during probate.

Witness / Notary

Witnesses confirm the testator's signature and capacity; many states require two witnesses. A notary can prepare a self-proving affidavit that reduces the need for witness testimony at probate.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Estate Planning Will Checklist

Answers below address common legal and practical questions when completing, executing, or storing a will using a checklist and available electronic tools.


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