Estate · Checklist
Plan. Invest. Thrive.
The four documents everyone needs.
If something happens to you, the right pieces of paper turn a confusing time into a manageable one. Here's the checklist we work through with you — and where everything should live.
These four work together. Missing one creates a gap your family will feel.
- Will — Directs your assets when you're gone, names guardians for minor children, and names an executor to carry it out.
- Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) — Names someone to handle your money and legal affairs if you can't. Active only when needed; ends at your death.
- Healthcare Directive (Living Will) — Your wishes for medical care if you can't speak for yourself. Names a healthcare agent.
- HIPAA Authorization — Lets named people receive your medical information. Easy to forget, painful when missing.
2
Beneficiary forms — the override
For retirement accounts, life insurance, and 401(k)s, the beneficiary form on file beats your Will. Review them.
- Every 2 years as a routine.
- After any major life event — marriage, divorce, birth, death of a named person, move to a new state.
- Name primary and contingent beneficiaries for every account.
- "Per stirpes" language lets benefits flow to a grandchild if the named child predeceases you.
A document no one can find may as well not exist.
OriginalsFireproof home safe, or with your attorney. Not a bank safe deposit box — heirs may not have access after death.
CopiesYour executor, your DPOA agent, and us if you'd like. Tell them where they live.
Digital recordsPassword manager with a master list. Make sure your executor can access it.
Account inventoryA single list of every account, policy, and asset. We help build this with you.
- Executor — Knows the Will exists, where the original lives, and the rough shape of the estate.
- DPOA agent — Knows where to find financial accounts and how to log in.
- Healthcare agent — Has had the conversation with you about what you'd want. Doesn't need to guess.
- Your spouse / partner — Has the same access you do, or can get it quickly.
- Every 3–5 years even if nothing has changed.
- After marriage, divorce, or remarriage.
- After the birth or adoption of a child or grandchild.
- After the death of anyone named in your documents.
- When you move to a different state (laws vary).
- After significant business or asset changes.
A note from MPM
We don't draft these documents — your attorney does. But we make sure they exist, that they're current, that the beneficiary forms match the plan, and that everyone who needs to know
where things are, knows. Bring this checklist to our next review.
MPM Wealth Advisors · Plan. Invest. Thrive.
mpmwealth.com · Updated May 2026
Sources: Ohio Revised Code Title 21 (Probate — Juvenile); ORC Ch. 2107 (Wills), Ch. 2105 (Descent and Distribution), Ch. 1337 (Powers of Attorney), Ch. 2133 (Modified Uniform Rights of the Terminally Ill Act); IRS Publication 559 (Survivors, Executors, and Administrators); American Bar Association estate planning checklists. Not legal advice — please work with an Ohio-licensed estate attorney.