#ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLIST FORM HOW TO#
#ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLIST FORM DOWNLOAD#

After the testator’s death, the Will must be reviewed by members of probate court to ensure its validity and authenticity. A Will also covers provisions regarding taxes, debts, and guardianship for the testator’s children. Beneficiaries are named in the Will so that the executor knows who will get what. Last Will and Testament – A legal document executed by a principal (referred to as a testator) that names an executor to distribute their estate after they die.

Each document covers slightly different areas of the principal’s estate, therefore it is recommended that an attorney be consulted to see which tool would be most appropriate. The two (2) main estate planning documents are Wills and Trusts. Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service.Estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests.Banks and other financial institutions.Signing Requirements – A POA must be signed by the principal and acknowledged by a notary public.The principal should also appoint a successor agent and even a second successor agent in case their first choice is unable or unwilling to act for them. Below is a list of subjects that can be included in the financial agent’s authority. “Durable” means that even if the principal becomes incapacitated, the financial agent is still in charge of all financial matters that have been included in the Power of Attorney. An agent should be a trusted individual who will always act with the best interests of the principal and the principal’s family in mind.ĭurable (Financial) Power of Attorney – A legal instrument containing the outline of the relationship between a principal and their financial agent. Appointing a financial agent is an act that is effective immediately after a POA is signed and remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated.

To make sure nothing is left out of an estate plan, contact a trusted attorney for legal advice.Ī financial agent is a position established by execution of a Durable Power of Attorney that enables the agent to manage the principal’s assets and other financial matters. None of the documents are required by law but it is critical that, if drafted, they are established in accordance with North Carolina laws.

#ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLIST FORM HOW TO#

How to Create an Estate Plan in North Carolina (6 steps)Ī person creating an estate plan should carefully examine each of the following documents to see if it will help secure their estate and their family’s future. It is recommended that an attorney be consulted before executing any of these estate planning documents. Documents pertaining to the distribution of one’s property and assets after death include a Last Will and Testament, and a Revocable Living Trust. There are two types of Powers of Attorney mentioned in this article that cover a person’s finances and future medical treatment in the event of incapacitation: a Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney and a Health Care Power of Attorney. No one expects an illness or accident to befall them, but preparing for these situations is very important. While each person’s estate is different, there are a few main topics that will need to be covered in order to ensure one’s family and estate are protected in the future. To use the fillable form, you will need to use Adobe Acrobat and not Adobe Reader.A North Carolina estate planning checklist is a set of instructions pertaining to the estate planning process.

#ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLIST FORM DOWNLOAD#

You may download a free version here (follow the instructions at the link). ** To download the above files, your computer must have Adobe Acrobat. Please read the Probate and Trust Administration Forms page for more information about our checklist for information gathering.

Checklist of items to gather for initial estate administration conference (PDF file).

Probate and Trust Administration Client Forms For more information about our estate planning process, please see How To Get Started. Please read the Estate Planning Forms page more information about completing our estate planning information form and for answers to frequently asked questions about the forms.

Estate Planning Information Form for Single Person (PDF print then fill).

Estate Planning Information Form for Single Person (fillable on computer).

Estate Planning Information Form for Married Couple (PDF print then fill).

Estate Planning Information Form for Married Couple (fillable on computer).

Client Forms Estate Planning Client Forms

Estate planning checklist form