Estate Planning
About these resources
10 resources
An estate plan is a set of documents and account designations that only works if they agree with each other. Beneficiary forms override wills, trusts only control what has been funded into them, and both need revisiting as families change.
These checklists cover building a plan, reviewing one you already have, and the practical steps that follow the death of a parent or spouse.
A Guide to Common Types of Trusts
From revocable living trusts to SLATs, each trust type serves a different goal. See a plain-language comparison.
Free PDF downloadProtecting Your Assets: Estate, Health, and Insurance
A Meridian panel on the documents, health coverage decisions, and policy limits that determine whether your assets reach the right people.
Free PDF downloadThe Building Blocks of an Estate Plan
Wills, powers of attorney, and trusts each serve a different purpose. See how the core estate planning documents fit together.
Free PDF downloadWhat Issues Should I Consider Before Closing the Estate?
Closing an estate involves more than a final distribution. See what executors should review before wrapping things up.
Free PDF downloadWhat Issues Should I Consider Before I Update My Estate Plan?
Life changes are the usual trigger for an estate plan update. See what to review before you make changes.
Free PDF downloadWhat Issues Should I Consider if My Parent Passed Away?
There's a lot to manage after losing a parent. See the financial and estate steps worth prioritizing.
Free PDF downloadWhat Issues Should I Consider if My Spouse Passed Away?
The financial side of losing a spouse can wait, but not indefinitely. See what typically needs attention.
Free PDF downloadWhat Issues Should I Consider When Creating My Estate Plan?
Starting an estate plan from scratch raises a lot of questions. See where to begin.
Free PDF downloadWhat Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Beneficiaries?
Beneficiary designations often override your will. See why a regular review matters.
Free PDF downloadWhat Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Estate Planning Documents?
Powers of attorney, wills, and trusts each need their own review. See what to check in each.
Free PDF download