After nearly 30 years of helping families plan their legacies, I’ve seen firsthand that a well-organized estate plan, and a valid will, is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind. But 2026 brings significant changes that make updating your estate plan more critical than ever. Especially with the new $15 million federal estate tax exemption ($30 million for married couples) and the growing complexity of digital assets like cryptocurrency and online accounts.

So, what is the single most important step? It’s starting with a comprehensive estate planning checklist.

Many people think a simple will is enough, but that often leaves dangerous gaps that can lead to probate court, family disputes, and unnecessary costs.

This guide doesn’t just give you a to-do list; it provides a step-by-step framework to ensure your will, trusts, and beneficiary designations all work together seamlessly, protecting everything you’ve worked for.

Let’s make sure your legacy is one of security, not stress. Read my article on a deeper dive into using trusts in your estate planning.

How to Use This Downloadable Estate Planning Checklist

1. Download & Personalize:
   Click the “Download PDF” button or print directly from your browser. You can check off items interactively online, or use the printable version to keep physical records with your documents.
2. Work Through Each Phase:
   The checklist is divided into phases: Foundational Legal Documents (Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, Advance Healthcare Directive), Financial & Asset Inventory (accounts, real estate, valuables), Beneficiary Review, Digital Assets, and Final Wishes.
3. Update Beneficiaries & Documents:
   Ensure all beneficiary designations on IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance, and transfer-on-death accounts are current—these override your will in most cases.
4. Compile and Secure:
   Collect and organize your documents in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe or with your estate attorney. Use the checklist’s “pro tip” reminders to share your plan with trusted family or your executor.
5. Review Regularly:
   Set a calendar reminder to review your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, major purchase).
6. Consult an Expert:
   The checklist is comprehensive but does not replace legal advice. Consult with a qualified estate planning attorney for state-specific requirements, tax optimization strategies, or advanced trust planning.

• Avoid Probate Hassles:
  Ensure your assets transfer smoothly to heirs without court delays or intestate succession complications.
• Prevent Family Disputes:
  Clarify your wishes and designate guardians, executors, and healthcare agents—preventing legal battles and emotional turmoil.
• Cover Every Detail:
  Check off vital documents (will, living trust, healthcare proxy, digital executor) and lesser-known items (digital assets, funeral wishes, POA).
• Protect Minor Children:
  Name legal guardians and leave clear instructions, avoiding court-appointed outcomes.
• Stay Current with 2025 Laws:
  Reflects the latest legal requirements, best practices, and entity/asset considerations in all 50 states.
• Secure Digital & Financial Life:
  Don’t forget cloud accounts, cryptocurrency, or online banking—digital estate planning is included.

Who Should Use This Estate Planning Checklist?

• Adults of any age looking to draft or update a will or trust
• Parents/guardians seeking to name protectors for children
• Retirees organizing their assets and final wishes
• Executors or trustees needing an organizational template
• Anyone wanting peace of mind and legal protection for their family’s future

2026 Estate Tax Changes: What You Need to Know Now

The estate planning landscape has changed dramatically in 2026 with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which permanently increased the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million per individual—or $30 million for married couples. This is a significant jump from the $13.99 million exemption in 2025, giving families an additional $2.02 million in gifting capacity without triggering federal estate or gift taxes.

Here’s what this means for you in practical terms:

If your estate is worth less than $15 million ($30 million for couples), you won’t owe federal estate taxes—but don’t forget about state estate taxes in states like Maryland ($5 million threshold).

Annual gift exclusion remains at $19,000 per recipient in 2026, allowing you to give tax-free gifts to as many people as you want.

Estates exceeding the exemption amount face a steep 40% tax rate on the excess—proper planning with trusts and gifting strategies can help minimize this.

Standard deduction increases to $20,500 (single) and $41,000 (married filing jointly), which may make certain charitable trust strategies less attractive.

Digital Assets & Cryptocurrency: The New Estate Planning Frontier

One of the most critical—and often overlooked—aspects of estate planning in 2026 is digital assets. With the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA) now adopted by 47 states, executors and fiduciaries have specific rights to access digital assets, but only if your estate plan explicitly grants them authority.

Digital assets now include:

• Cryptocurrency holdings (Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins) – The IRS treats crypto as property subject to capital gains and estate taxes
• NFTs and digital collectibles that may have significant value
• Online bank accounts, PayPal, Venmo, and digital payment platforms
• Email accounts, social media profiles, and cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
• Digital businesses, domain names, and intellectual property

Real-World Example: My Digital Estate Strategy

In my own estate planning, I maintain a secure digital asset inventory in a password manager that my executor can access. It includes:

• Hardware wallet locations and recovery phrases for cryptocurrency (stored separately in a fireproof safe)
• A complete list of exchange accounts (Coinbase, Kraken) with instructions—but never actual passwords in the will
• Social media account preferences (memorialize, delete, or transfer)
• Business email and domain name registrar access for continuity

This documentation is critical. If your heirs can’t access your crypto wallet with $50,000 in Bitcoin, that wealth is permanently lost. According to recent estimates, nearly 20% of all Bitcoin (worth billions) is locked in inaccessible wallets due to lost keys or inadequate estate planning.

AI-Powered Estate Planning: The 2026 Revolution

Estate planning is being transformed by artificial intelligence and smart contracts. In 2026, we’re seeing:

• Smart contracts that automatically transfer crypto assets to heirs upon specific triggers (death certificates, time delays)
• AI-driven estate platforms that monitor regulatory changes and alert you when your plan needs updates
• Automated compliance reporting for complex digital asset portfolios
• Digital notaries and blockchain-based will verification to prevent fraud

While these tools are powerful, they’re not a replacement for comprehensive legal planning. Think of them as supplements that make your estate plan more efficient and responsive to change.

Next Steps for Your Estate Plan

Completing this checklist is more than just a financial task; it’s the ultimate act of protecting your family from chaos and uncertainty during a difficult time. With the 2026 estate tax changes, digital asset complexities, and AI-powered tools at your fingertips, you have unprecedented opportunities to create a comprehensive, future-proof estate plan that adapts to your family’s evolving needs.

After working with so many families, I can tell you that the feeling of relief and peace of mind that comes from having a solid plan in place is immeasurable.

Now, keep that momentum going. Use the insights you’ve gained here to explore our related articles on trusts, inheritance, and smart tax

Don’t wait—start today by documenting your digital assets, reviewing the $15 million exemption opportunity for strategic gifting, and ensuring your plan explicitly authorizes fiduciary access to cryptocurrency and online accounts. Your family’s financial security depends on the actions you take right now.

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Note: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional advisor or accountant for personalized guidance.