Creating an estate plan can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it yourself. A clear estate planning checklist helps you stay organized, avoid mistakes, and make sure your wishes are honored. As a Notary Trust Delivery Specialist in Oxnard, Ventura County, I help clients confirm and finalize their documents with accuracy and care.

Essential estate planning checklist items:

1. Living Trust or Will

Decide how you want your assets managed and transferred. A living trust helps families avoid probate, save time, and reduce stress.

2. Durable Power of Attorney

This document lets you designate someone to manage your finances if you cannot.

3. Advance Health Care Directive

Choose who will make medical decisions for you and outline your treatment preferences.

4. HIPAA Authorization

Ensure your medical agent can access records and speak with doctors.

5. Guardianship Designations

If you have minor children, name the people you trust to care for them.

6. Asset Inventory

Create a list of property, accounts, and valuables so your trustee has everything in one place.

7. Beneficiary Updates

Check your life insurance, retirement accounts, and financial accounts for accuracy.

As a mobile notary specializing in trust documents, I travel to you to notarize the forms required for a legally recognized estate plan. If you’re building your own estate plan, having the signing handled correctly is essential.