When people hear the term estate plan, they often assume it refers to a single document, such as a will. In reality, a comprehensive estate plan is a coordinated set of legal documents designed to protect you, your family, and your assets both during your lifetime and after death.
The documents included in an estate plan vary depending on your goals, family situation, and financial circumstances. However, most well-designed estate plans include the following core components.
Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament is the foundation of many estate plans. A will allows you to:
- Specify who inherits your property
- Name an executor to manage your estate
- Nominate guardians for minor children
- Address special instructions or contingencies
In states such as Kansas and Missouri, a will does not avoid probate. Instead, it provides instructions to the probate court. Without a will, state law determines how your property is distributed and who manages your estate.
Even when other planning tools are used, a will remains an essential backstop document.
Learn more about wills and probate planning on our Estate Planning Services page.
Revocable Living Trust (If Applicable)
Many estate plans include a revocable living trust, which allows you to transfer assets into a trust while maintaining control during your lifetime.
A properly funded trust can:
- Help avoid probate for trust-owned assets
- Provide privacy
- Offer continuity if you become incapacitated
- Allow more detailed distribution instructions
Trusts are particularly useful for families with real estate, blended families, minor children, or beneficiaries who require additional oversight.
You can explore this option further in our guide to Trust Administration.
For an overview of how trusts work, see this explanation from the American Bar Association .
Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney authorizes someone you trust to handle financial and legal matters if you become incapacitated.
This document can allow your agent to:
- Pay bills and manage bank accounts
- Work with financial institutions
- File taxes
- Manage business interests
Without this document, your loved ones may need to seek a court-appointed conservatorship, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Health Care Power of Attorney
A Health Care Power of Attorney (also called a medical power of attorney) allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions if you are unable to communicate your wishes.
This document ensures that:
- A trusted person speaks on your behalf
- Medical providers know who has decision-making authority
- Care decisions align with your values
It is a critical part of planning for medical emergencies and incapacity.
Living Will or Advance Health Care Directive
A Living Will or Advance Health Care Directive outlines your wishes regarding end-of-life care, including:
- Life-sustaining treatment
- Artificial nutrition and hydration
- Comfort and palliative care
While a health care power of attorney appoints a decision-maker, a living will provides guidance to both your agent and medical providers.
The National Institute on Aging provides helpful information on advance directives .
HIPAA Authorization
A HIPAA Authorization allows designated individuals to access your medical information. Without it, privacy laws may prevent doctors and hospitals from sharing information, even with close family members.
This document supports your health care power of attorney by ensuring your agent can fully understand your medical condition and treatment options.
Beneficiary Designations and Asset Coordination
Although not always considered a formal “document,” beneficiary designations are a critical part of any estate plan. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts pass according to beneficiary designations, not your will.
An effective estate plan ensures that:
- Beneficiary designations are current
- They align with your overall planning goals
- They are coordinated with wills and trusts
Failing to review beneficiary designations is one of the most common estate planning mistakes.
Final Thoughts
An estate plan is not a single document. It is a coordinated system designed to protect you during life and ensure your wishes are carried out after death. The right combination of documents depends on your goals, assets, and family dynamics.
A thoughtful estate plan provides clarity, reduces stress for loved ones, and helps avoid unnecessary court involvement. Reviewing your plan periodically ensures it continues to reflect your life as it changes.
If you are ready to start or update your estate plan, speaking with an experienced estate planning attorney can help ensure everything works together as intended.