Gathering Information for Your Will or Trust

What information do I need to prepare my Estate Plan?

To create a Will or Trust, you'll need the following information:

Common Requirements

• Basic Information: Details about you, your family, and any pets.
• Guardian Appointments: Selection of a guardian for your children and pets.
• Asset Distribution: Decisions on who receives your assets, including charitable gifts or specific bequests.
• Final Arrangements: Your preferences for your end-of-life arrangements.

Optional: Asset Information

You can choose to provide information about your assets to assist your Successor Trustee or Executor in collecting and distributing your Estate, but it's not legally required.

Specific Information Needed for a Will

Executor Designation: A person appointed to oversee your estate and carry out the instructions in your Will.

Specific Information Needed for a Trust

Trust Name and Successor Trustee:

• Choose a Name: Decide on a name for your Trust.
• Appoint a Successor Trustee: Select someone to manage and distribute your assets.

After creating and signing the Trust, you'll start transferring your assets. This is how your belongings can avoid probate. For more information, check out our Trust Funding Guide.