What Are Typical Estate Planning Documents?

Essential Estate Planning Documents Overview

“If you want loved ones to remember you fondly, tackle your estate planning tasks. Your heirs will thank you for not leaving a legal mess to sort out.”

For many people, eight documents form the foundation of an estate plan. It’s not that difficult a project as it seems, explains the article “8 Documents That Are Essential to Planning Your Estate” from msn.com. When you’ve completed your estate plan, you’ll also gain the peace of mind of knowing that you’ve done what was needed to protect your family. It’s well worth the effort.

The Importance of a Last Will and Testament

Last will and testament. This is the basic document that gives you the ability to tell your family what you want to happen with your assets. It is used to name an executor—a person who will be in charge of managing your estate. Your will is also where you name a guardian who will be in charge of raising minor children. You can use the will to convey funeral instructions, but you may want to do that in a separate document, in case your will isn’t found right away. Your estate planning attorney will help you figure out the best way to handle that.

Benefits of a Revocable Living Trust

Revocable living trust. Trusts are used to pass assets and property without going through probate. Your estate planning attorney will help create the trust and you’ll decide who will be in charge of it upon your death. You can be the trustee while you are living, but then you lose any estate tax benefits. If you have substantial property or wealth, trusts are a good tool to control assets and save on estate taxes.

The Role of Beneficiary Designations

Beneficiary designations. Any time you purchase a new insurance policy or a retirement plan, you are asked to name a beneficiary. If your first job came with a retirement plan, you likely also named a beneficiary for that plan. These designations allow the assets to pass directly to the beneficiary upon your death. They aren’t included in your will and they don’t go through probate. The biggest problem with beneficiary designations? Neglecting to update them through the many changes in life. Review and update your beneficiary designations on a regular basis.

Utilizing a Durable Power of Attorney

Durable power of attorney. This document allows you to name the person to act on your behalf, if you become incapacitated because of illness or injury. They can manage your legal and financial affairs. Here’s an important point: if you become incapacitated, you cannot assign this role to someone. It needs to be done when you are legally competent.

Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will

Health care power of attorney and living will. The health care power of attorney lets someone else make medical decisions on your behalf, if you are too sick to do so yourself. The living will gives you the opportunity to explain what kind of care you do or do not want if you are close to death. If the idea of staying alive on a heart machine makes you unhappy, for instance, you can document your wishes, so loved ones don’t have to wonder what you want.

Managing Your Digital Assets

Digital assets. Much of our lives are lived online, and we have assets that won’t be found in a search of the attic or basement. Each online platform that you use may have a directive process, where you can clearly state who you want to have access to your digital assets and what you would like to have happen to them upon your death.

Conveying Wishes with a Letter of Intent

A letter of intent. Writing a letter of intent is a way to convey your wishes to loved ones for what you’d like to happen after you die. It may not be legally enforceable, like a will or a trust, but your loved ones will appreciate knowing what you want for funeral planning or a memorial service.

Creating a List of Important Documents

List of important documents. Sparing your family a post-mortem scavenger hunt is a gift to the living. Make a list of documents and make sure they know where important documents can be found. Include a list of routine bills, the professionals you rely on, including contact information and account numbers. Some families use a briefcase to store the important papers, but a fireproof and waterproof safe is more secure.

Secure Your Legacy with Expert Estate Planning Guidance

In conclusion, having a well-crafted estate plan in place is crucial for protecting your assets, ensuring your wishes are carried out, and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

As an experienced Kansas Estate Planning Attorney, Benjamin Long at Schlagel Long can help you navigate the complexities of estate planning and create a tailored plan that meets your unique needs. Don't leave your family's future to chance – call Benjamin Long today at (913) 359-8996 for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing your legacy.

Attorney Benjamin Long

Benjamin Long is the founding attorney at Schlagel Long, LLC, an estate planning and probate law firm in Olathe, Kansas. Ben helps individuals and families create comprehensive estate plans that include all essential documents—such as wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations—to ensure their assets are protected and their wishes are clearly honored.

Ben works closely with clients to organize their estate planning documents and explain how each one functions within a complete legal strategy. Whether naming guardians for minor children, updating beneficiaries, or preparing for incapacity, he provides trusted legal guidance to help families avoid probate complications, reduce tax exposure, and ensure peace of mind.

Benjamin earned his Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of the Barristers and earned a Certificate in Advocacy. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University. He’s been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award for outstanding client service and legal skill.

Outside of his law practice, Ben serves as adjunct faculty at Washburn Law School and coaches the Kansas State University Mock Trial Team. He lives in Olathe with his wife, Dr. Andra Long, and their two daughters.

Benjamin E. Long - Estate Planning Attorney

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