5 Essential Documents Every Estate Plan Needs
A clear guide to the core documents that protect your legacy and spare your family from uncertainty.
A complete estate plan is more than a single document — it's a small set of records that work together to protect you and your family. Here are the five we recommend every adult have on file.
1. Last Will and Testament
Your will directs how your assets are distributed and names a guardian for minor children. Without one, the courts decide for you.
2. Durable Power of Attorney
This lets someone you trust manage your finances if you're unable to. It's one of the most overlooked — and most useful — documents in any plan.
3. Healthcare Directive
Sometimes called a living will, this records your medical preferences and names someone to make decisions when you can't speak for yourself.
4. Revocable Living Trust
A trust can help your estate avoid probate and keep details private. It's especially valuable if you own property in more than one state.
5. Digital Access Instructions
From email to banking to photos, your online life is part of your estate. Document where your accounts are and how a trusted person can reach them.
Where to keep them
Store the originals somewhere safe and let your executor know where to find them. A private, encrypted vault — like this one — lets you keep digital copies and locations alongside the rest of your affairs.