Estate Planning Checklist

1st April 2026

Image: Advocate Elizabeth Le Guillou Estate Planning Checklist

You may not consider yourself as having an estate but legally you do. Estate planning is essentially advance preparation for how everything you own will be dealt with when you die. Typically the minimum form this would take is the making of a will (or wills in Jersey if you have immovable and movable property).

Advocate Elizabeth Le Guillou, counsel in Corbett Le Quesne’s Private Client Team, has provided a checklist of everything you should consider when undertaking your own estate planning exercise:

1. Write or update your will

Your will is the foundation of your estate planning. It sets out who inherits your assets, who will act as your executor and any specific gifts you want to make, money or sentimental items for example.

It is crucial to make sure your wills are legally valid in the relevant jurisdiction(s), kept in a safe but accessible place and reviewed regularly, especially after major life events.

2. Appoint an Executor

Your executor is responsible for managing your estate, paying debts and taxes and distributing assets according to your wishes. You should choose someone who is trustworthy, organised and importantly willing to take on the responsibility.

3. Make provision for pets

Despite being beloved in life, pets can be overlooked in death but they rely entirely on you. You should consider naming a guardian who will take responsibility for your pet, ensuring you discuss this with them in advance and leave financial support for their care as well as instructions about diet, routine and medical needs.

4. List your assets and liabilities

Create a clear record of all your assets and keep this updated. Tell your executor where to find it.

5. Make Lasting Powers of Attorney

If you become unable to make decisions, someone needs legal authority to act for you. Consider financial and health and welfare decisions. An attorney should be someone you trust completely.

6. Review beneficiary designations

Some assets like pensions and life insurance pass outside your will. Check who is named as beneficiary and whether this reflects your wishes.

7. Consider funeral wishes

While not legally binding, it’s helpful to leave loved ones guidance on burial or cremation preferences, the type of service you would like and specific preferences like favourite music or readings.

8. Organise important documents

You should keep key documents together and let your executor know where everything is stored:

Will(s)
Insurance policies
Passport and identification

Share certificates
Marriage or civil partnership certificates

9. Digital assets

Don’t forget your online life which can be overwhelming to consider now. Think about e-mail accounts, social media, online banking and subscriptions. Leaving a list of accounts with details and instructions on what should happen to them.

10. Review regularly

We recommend you review your plan every few years and certainly after major life changes (marriage, divorce, new pets, new assets).

A final thought

Estate planning is about control, clarity and care. By planning ahead you make a difficult time much easier for those you leave behind. A simple checklist today can save a great deal of stress tomorrow.

Corbett Le Quesne offer free 30 minute consultations with their senior private client and family law advocates. For  friendly service and specialist expertise, give them a call on 733030 or email privateclientteam@corbettlequesne.com

Advocate and Notary, Elizabeth Le Guillou joined Corbett Le Quesne in August 2025. She has considerable expertise in all aspects of succession planning, will drafting and estate administration and regularly advises both local and international clients.