Checklist: Six Steps Toward Successful Estate Planning

Checklist: Six Steps Toward Successful Estate Planning

  1. Define your goals: What do you want to happen to your assets in the event of your death or disability? If your beneficiaries predecease you, who are your alternate selections? How will your assets be distributed and when will these distributions take place?
  2. Gather and organize your data: This can be done by reviewing and updating your financial position, reviewing how you hold title to your assets and whether these are consistent with your estate planning. Did you know that how you hold title to your assets has a higher legal priority than your will?
  3. Analyze your situation: Begin by determining your current net worth, assuming your death occurred today.
  4. Develop your strategies: With the assistance of your estate planning attorney, identify legal documents that need drafting and make the necessary adjustments to existing documents.
  5. Implement your plan: Do what needs to be done – creating new wills, trusts, powers of attorney, adjusting title to your properties, etc.
  6. Track and monitor your progress: Check your estate planning annually and consult your attorney with any changes you may wish to make. Make sure all beneficiaries and alternates remain desirable to you and that all documents are current.

Credits: The Financial Awareness Foundation.


This article is written by Florida attorneys and only considers Florida law in place at the time of publication. This article should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice and one should always consult with an attorney in their state before making any legal decisions.

At The Estate Plan, we take pride in serving our clients with compassion, competence and creativity. After all, we’re all unique. It takes a special comfort and confidence to trust someone to handle protecting one’s family and possessions. We appreciate being that person for so many families. If you are interested in coming in for a consultation, do not hesitate to contact us at (305) 677-8489.

Published On: December 23, 2021

About the Author: Matthew Gruber

Matthew A. Gruber, Esq., founder of The Estate Plan in Miami, Florida, has dedicated his legal practice to helping individuals and families protect and plan their estates for over 10 years. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida and holds a Juris doctorate from Florida International University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree from the University of Miami. Matt began his legal career in the tumultuous environment of the Great Recession.

Have questions about how to get started on your estate plan or estate needs?

Have questions about how to get started
on your estate plan or estate needs?

Contact the experienced estate planning professionals at The Estate Plan
by calling us at (305) 677-8489.

Contact the experienced estate planning professionals at The Estate Plan by calling us at
(305) 677-8489.