Document checklist
Date: 2026-06-13
Educational checklist for a coordinated estate plan. Illinois context where noted; adapt for other states.
Tier 1 — every adult
| Document | Function | Illinois notes |
|---|---|---|
| Last will and testament | Executor, guardians, probate asset distribution | Often pour-over will if RLT used |
| Durable financial POA | Agent manages money/property if incapacitated | 755 ILCS 45 Art. III statutory form |
| Healthcare POA | Agent makes medical decisions | 755 ILCS 45/4-10; one witness |
| Living will | Treatment preferences in terminal condition | 755 ILCS 35; two witnesses |
| Beneficiary designation review | IRA, 401(k), life insurance, TOD/POD override will | Coordinate with trust sub-trust plan |
Tier 2 — common for homeowners, blended families, or larger estates
| Document | Function |
|---|---|
| Revocable living trust (RLT) | Probate avoidance, incapacity continuity, sub-trust funding at death |
| Pour-over will | Catches unfunded assets into RLT |
| HIPAA authorization | Allows agents/family to receive medical information |
| Illinois POLST | Physician orders when seriously ill (optional; not for everyone) |
| Mental health treatment preference (IL) | Psychiatric treatment instructions |
| QDOT / special deeds | Non-citizen spouse or real property nuances — if applicable |
Tier 3 — tax, protection, or special goals
| Document / structure | Typical trigger |
|---|---|
| Bypass / QTIP / disclaimer trust provisions | Married couples; IL estate over $4M; federal planning |
| ILIT | Estate liquidity; insurance outside taxable estate |
| Dynasty / GST-exempt trust | Multi-generation wealth; Form 709 GST allocation |
| CRT / CLT / DAF | Charitable goals |
| SNT | Beneficiary with disabilities |
| Business succession buy-sell | Operating business interest |
| Funeral/burial instructions | May be in will, separate instrument, or prepaid contract |
Non-legal but essential
- Letter of instruction (accounts, advisors, passwords policy — not a will substitute)
- Digital asset inventory
- Proof of identity and titles/deeds list
- Asset-location map for executor/trustee
- Location of originals (fireproof storage; tell executor)
System view
Three transfer channels must align:
- Title: will, trust, joint tenancy, TOD/POD.
2. Contract: beneficiary designations on retirement and insurance.
3. Tax: 706/709/1041, Illinois Form 700, K-1s.
Misalignment (e.g., IRA payable to estate, or house not in RLT) is the most common planning failure.
Personalized reference
Household IL planner prep: illinois-estate-planner-prep.md.
Related notes
- wills-and-pour-over.md
- incapacity-and-healthcare-directives.md
- financial-power-of-attorney.md
- glossary-and-trust-types.md
- inheritance-flow.md