Inventory Estate Assets
1-2 weeksList accounts, property, retirement, and personal property with values.
Intermediate2-8 weeks
Will Preparation Guide
Free step-by-step will preparation for estate planners. Plan will preparation with calculators and checklists covering inventory estate assets, choose.
estate plannersparents with minorshomeowners
Workflow
Choose Executor and Guardians
1 weekName executor, minor guardians, and alternate if primary unavailable.
Draft Will with Attorney or Service
2-4 weeksBudget attorney ($300–$1,500) versus online service for simple estates.
Store and Communicate Access
1 dayKeep original safe, tell executor location, review every 3–5 years.
Tools Used
- Net Worth CalculatorPrimary
Inventory estate assets and debts.
- Estate Tax CalculatorPrimary
Check if estate tax applies — federal exemption $13M+ era.
- Gift Tax CalculatorSupporting
Plan annual gift exclusions $18,000/recipient.
- Loan CalculatorReference
Budget attorney or service fees.
- Property Tax CalculatorReference
Include real property in estate list.
Checklist
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Estate
Legal
Financial
Access
Maintenance
Reference Materials
Will Preparation Cost RangesTable
US typical.
| Method | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online simple | $100–$300 | Small estates |
| Estate attorney | $500–$1,500 | Most families |
| Complex trust plan | $2,000+ | High net worth |
Witness RequirementsStandard
Most states require 2 disinterested witnesses — verify state law.
Beneficiary First
Update 401k beneficiaries — faster than probate.
Do Not DIY Complex
Blended families need attorney — will contests costly.
Letter of Intent
Non-binding letter guides guardians on values.
Safety Notes
- Undue influence claims arise if isolating elderly — involve family transparently.
- Not legal advice — consult estate attorney in your state.