End of Life Planning Checklist

Name a trusted person to communicate your medical wishes if you cannot speak for yourself.

Select someone who knows your values and can handle stressful conversations with doctors and family.
Discuss your preferences openly before naming them in legal documents.
Name an alternate decision-maker in case your first choice is unavailable.
Confirm that the person is willing to serve in this role.

Put your treatment preferences and decision-making authority in writing.

Common documents include a healthcare power of attorney and a living will or advance directive.
Address preferences for pain management, life support, resuscitation, and organ donation.
Follow your state's requirements for witnesses or notarization.
Give copies to your decision-maker, primary physician, and family members.

Guides and services to help you with the next steps in your planning.

Understand comfort-focused care choices before a medical emergency.

Document how you want property distributed and who will manage your estate.

Name an executor or personal representative and discuss the role with them.
Identify beneficiaries for property, accounts, and personal belongings.
Review beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance.
Consult a qualified estate planning professional for complex assets or blended families.

Guides and services to help you with the next steps in your planning.

Authorize trusted people to handle financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated.

Compile information your family will need to manage finances and claim benefits.

Write down whether you prefer burial, cremation, donation, or another option.

Leave practical guidance that may not belong in a formal legal will.

Open conversations reduce confusion and conflict later.

End of life planning is ongoing, not a one-time task.

Review documents every few years and after marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or moves.
Confirm that contact information for agents, executors, and providers is current.
Update funeral wishes if your preferences change.
Tell your family when you replace or revise any document.

Guides and services to help you with the next steps in your planning.

End-of-Life Planning Checklist