QUICK ANSWER
Estate planning starts with your objectives and relationships, then tests how assets are owned and which arrangements operate outside a will. A clear personal and financial overview helps the lawyer identify the documents and advice required.
wills and estate planning checklist: Key Points
- List important people and responsibilities.
- Record how major assets are owned.
- Bring existing documents and beneficiary nominations.
Begin with people and responsibilities
List partners, children, dependants and anyone you support. Note blended-family relationships, overseas connections or a person who may need help managing money or making decisions.
Think about suitable people for executor, attorney and guardian roles. You can discuss alternatives if your first choice is unavailable, lives overseas or may face a conflict.
Create an ownership snapshot
A will does not necessarily control every asset. Record major assets, debts, business interests, trusts, companies, superannuation and insurance, together with how each is owned.
- Existing will, powers of attorney or appointment documents
- Property ownership and mortgage details
- Business, trust and company records
- Superannuation funds and current nominations
Ask how the plan works in practice
Ask which documents are proposed, what each one does and how they interact. Clarify signing requirements, storage, who receives copies and when the plan should be reviewed.
If the plan involves complex structures or potential claims, ask what further tax, financial or specialist advice may be needed before documents are finalised.
TURN PREPARATION INTO A USEFUL SEARCH
Find Wills & estates Lawyers
Check law firm services, then confirm the individual’s experience, availability, scope and fees directly.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions About wills and estate planning checklist
Do I need exact asset values?
A reasonable overview may be enough for the first discussion, but the lawyer may request more detail where values, ownership or structures affect the plan.
Can partners use the same lawyer?
Often they can, but the lawyer must consider conflicts and confidentiality. Ask how differing instructions or a later dispute would be handled.
How often should an estate plan be reviewed?
Review after significant relationship, family, health, ownership or financial changes, and ask the lawyer what review cycle suits your circumstances.
CHECK THE PRIMARY SOURCES
Official Sources and Further Reading
These links provide authoritative starting points. Rules and procedures can depend on the jurisdiction and the facts.