Holiday Estate Planning Checklist & Conversation Guide

The holiday season is about gratitude, connection, and honoring what truly matters. Ensuring your loved ones’ wishes are known and their affairs are in order is a deeply meaningful way to show you care about their legacy now and for all the years to come.

We encourage all our clients to use this time of togetherness to support their families not only emotionally, but practically, and have created this quick guide to support your conversations. Make the most of those cozy, quiet holiday moments between festivities – ensuring they are caring, clear, and action‑oriented.

1) Confirm Core Documents (3–5 year review)

□ Will and/or Revocable Trust reflect current wishes and family dynamics.

□ Durable Power of Attorney (finances) is current and agents are willing/able.

□ Advance Health Care Directive names the right health care agent(s).

□ Documents comply with current law; California families may have state‑specific needs.

Ask: “If something happened, who would make decisions—and do these papers say that?”

2) Access to the Right Information

□ A trusted person knows where passwords and account recovery methods are stored.

□ Access to banking, investments, insurance, and digital assets is documented.

□ Originals/signed copies of estate documents are easy to locate.

□ For couples where one manages finances, make sure the other can step in smoothly.
Ask: “Could we find everything in an emergency, today? If no, who may be able to help you organize this information?”

3) Personal Property & Heirlooms

□ Create a simple written memo (referenced in the will/trust) listing who should receive sentimental items.

□ Talk through stories and meaning behind heirlooms to avoid misunderstandings.

Remember: Sentimental value often outweighs dollars—clarity prevents hurt feelings.

4) Titles, Beneficiaries & California Notes

□ Home and real property titled to your trust (if appropriate) to avoid probate.

□ Beneficiary designations on IRAs, 401(k)s, and life insurance align with your plan.

□ Consider California Proposition 19 when planning real estate transfers to the next generation.
Tip: A 20‑minute title/beneficiary check can prevent months of delay later. Offer to help them do this over a cup of coffee one morning.

5) Keep the Tone Warm 

Estate planning doesn’t need to be a tense topic. These conversations are a gift of clarity and peace of mind. To frame them as such, consider saying:

“Mom, you’ve always taken care of us. I just want to make sure you’re taken care of too. Would you feel comfortable walking me through where things are, just in case?”

“Dad, I know you handle the finances. But if something happened, would Mom know how to access everything? Can we help get that organized together?”

Keep top of mind that these conversations aren’t about control. They’re about preparation and protecting loved ones. 

When to Call a Professional

An impartial, professional review can offer a calm, third‑party perspective to help you navigate options, address changing wishes, and bring clarity to unique family circumstances.
It’s especially important to reach out when any of the following apply:

• It’s been 3–5 years since a review, or there’s been marriage, divorce, birth, death, or a move.

• You’re unsure about trust funding, titling, Prop 19, or complex beneficiary issues.

We can help. Shafae Law can review documents and update plans. Feel free to contact our office with any questions or schedule a free consultation.