Start with the essentials

Build a useful estate plan one decision at a time.

You do not need every answer on day one. Capture the largest financial items first, identify the people affected, then close document and liquidity gaps in a sensible order.

1
Confirm personal and marital details

Identity, spouse and matrimonial-property information affect ownership, reporting and estate calculations.

2
Capture assets and debts

Start with property, accounts, investments, policies, vehicles, business interests, bonds and loans.

3
Plan for people

Add dependants, guardians, beneficiaries, specific gifts, substitutes and residue percentages.

4
Check liquidity and distribution

Estimate costs, close cash shortfalls and make sure the intended residue allocation totals 100%.

5
Prepare documents and review

Complete the checklist, generate preparation reports and ask a qualified professional to review the plan.