Estate Planning Essentials: Protecting Your Legacy

April 7, 2025

Estate Planning Essentials: Protecting Your Legacy

Estate planning is crucial for anyone who wants to ensure their legacy and support their loved ones. From wills to trusts, learn about the essential tools that can protect your assets and provide peace of mind.


When most people think about estate planning, they imagine wealthy families with sprawling properties and complicated trusts. But the truth is: estate planning is for everyone.

Whether you’re just getting started or updating existing plans, having the right documents in place can make an enormous difference—for your own peace of mind and for those you love most.

Without a clear plan, families are often left with confusion, delays, and even unexpected costs. In fact, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, state treasurers currently hold over $32 billion in unclaimed bank accounts and other assets—much of it due to poor planning or missing documentation.



Here’s what you need to know—and what to prepare.

Why Document Organization Matters

You’ve worked hard to build what you have. If something were to happen to you, would your family know where everything is?


Estate planning isn’t just about drafting a will—it’s about keeping everything organized and accessible so your wishes can be followed and your loved ones aren’t left scrambling.



We recommend keeping a comprehensive folder of documents that a trusted family member, attorney, or executor can easily access in the event of an emergency. A fireproof safe at home, a safe deposit box, or secure digital storage can all be good options—just make sure someone else knows how to access it.

Your Estate Planning Essentials: What to Include

Here’s a checklist of documents to organize as part of your estate plan. Each plays a unique role in protecting your legacy.

Personal & Legal Documents
  • Marriage license
  • Divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Will and/or trust documents
  • Letter of instruction (a personal message to your heirs or executor)
Financial Assets & Ownership
  • List of bank accounts and usernames
  • Safe-deposit box locations and access info
  • Stock certificates, savings bonds, and brokerage accounts
  • 401(k), IRA, pension, and annuity documents
  • Life insurance policies
  • Tax returns (3–5 years is often sufficient)
  • Proof of loans made or debts owed
  • Vehicle titles and real estate deeds
  • Partnership or business ownership agreements
Healthcare & End-of-Life Documents
  • Durable healthcare power of attorney
  • Living will
  • Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order
  • Authorization to release medical records (HIPAA form)
  • Personal and family medical history

Don't Just Plan—Prepare

Having these documents is one thing. Keeping them updated and accessible is just as important. We recommend reviewing your estate planning documents at least every few years—or any time you experience a major life change, such as a marriage, divorce, birth, death, or change in financial status.

A Legacy of Clarity and Care

Estate planning isn’t just a financial task—it’s an act of love. It gives your family guidance during a difficult time, helps avoid unnecessary delays or expenses, and ensures that what you’ve built continues to support the people and causes you care about.



At Kickstand Wealth Advisors, we help you take the guesswork out of planning ahead. From working with your attorney to aligning your estate strategy with your broader financial plan, we’re here to simplify the process and bring confidence to every decision.

Want help reviewing your estate plan or organizing your essential documents?

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