{"id":785,"date":"2017-07-13T19:06:44","date_gmt":"2017-07-13T19:06:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-estate-planning\/?page_id=785"},"modified":"2024-02-18T20:30:36","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T20:30:36","slug":"document-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/arizona-estate-planning\/blog\/document-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Estate Planning Document Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"
Estate planning can be an overwhelming process. There are so many documents, accounts, and issues that must be made and reviewed along the way. While this can often be stressful, it is worth it. Leaving your family members and heirs to go through your belongings searching for a will, a birth certificate, mortgage accounts, tax return information, and contact lists when you are incapacitated or no longer living should not be an option. This will cause a whole slew of issues for your family. It is important to start planning now by gathering important documents that will be vital when you become disabled or die.<\/p>\n
Lists are helpful in many situations, including estate planning. The following is a list of important documents and legal paperwork that needs to be completed as a part of your estate planning:<\/p>\n
Aside from the documents listed above, there are certain accounts that you must check over as a part of the estate planning process. Make a list of the accounts that are applicable to you and share it with your heirs. If there is any paperwork that is relevant to the accounts, gather it together.<\/p>\n
Also make sure to look over your retirement accounts and insurance policies to see who your beneficiaries are. In some cases, your beneficiary might be an ex-spouse or a deceased relative. To avoid conflict in the future, update your beneficiary forms as needed.<\/p>\n
Once you have complete the necessary documents, made a list of all your accounts, and gathered any relevant paperwork, consider putting all these forms in a metal fire-proof box. Share the location and contents of this box with family. This will make it easier for your heirs to know what to do upon occasion of your death or incapacitation.<\/p>\n