---
title: "Estate Planning Checklist | Miranda Law"
description: "Prepare for an estate-planning consultation with a practical checklist covering family, documents, property, decision-makers, and questions."
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Estate planning checklist

# Gather what you can. <br>*Bring the questions you still have.*

You do not need every account number or every decision before a consultation. This checklist helps you collect the information that can make the conversation more productive.

[Call Brian](tel:+19084241011) [Text Brian](sms:+19084241011)

[Read the FAQs ](https://bmirandalaw.com/resources/estate-planning-faqs)

![Estate-planning documents arranged on a warm desk](https://bmirandalaw.com/_vercel/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fbrian-law-hero_7235d741.jpg.webp&w=768&q=82)

Preparation guide

## Use this as a working list—not a test.

Check what is easy to gather. Make a note beside anything you cannot find or do not understand. Those gaps are useful topics for the consultation.

01

### People and family

- Legal names and contact information for close family members
- Children, stepchildren, and anyone who depends on you
- People you may trust as executor, trustee, agent, or health care representative
- Backup choices if a first choice cannot serve

02

### Existing documents

- Current wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives
- Prenuptial, postnuptial, divorce, or separation agreements that may affect planning
- Business agreements or succession documents
- Any document you no longer understand or believe is out of date

03

### Property and accounts

- Homes, other real estate, and how each property is titled
- Bank, investment, and retirement accounts
- Life insurance and current beneficiary designations
- Business ownership, vehicles, and significant personal property
- Debts, mortgages, and other major obligations

04

### Your wishes

- Who should receive property and whether any gifts need special handling
- Who should administer the estate
- Who should care for minor children if a guardian is needed
- Whether property should be managed over time for a beneficiary
- Charitable gifts or personal items with special meaning

05

### Financial decision-making

- Who should handle financial and legal matters if you cannot
- What authority that person may need
- Who should serve as the backup agent
- Any business, property, benefits, or family responsibilities the agent should understand

06

### Health care decisions

- Who should serve as health care representative and alternate
- Treatment preferences or values you want that person to understand
- Physicians and family members who should receive a copy
- Existing forms that may need review or replacement

07

### Questions for the consultation

- What prompted you to consider planning now?
- What are you most concerned could become confusing or difficult?
- Are there family relationships or special needs the documents should account for?
- Which decisions are you ready to make, and which ones still feel uncertain?
- How soon do you need assistance?

Start with clarity

## You do not need to finish the checklist before calling.

A free initial consultation can help you decide what information matters and what can wait until later.

[Call Brian](tel:+19084241011) [Text Brian](sms:+19084241011)

[View every contact option](https://bmirandalaw.com/contact)

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.