Preparation Checklist
Bring one focused question and the records that support it.
The first meeting does not need to solve everything. It works best when the family has a short list of priorities, account records, policy details, and questions that should be reviewed with care.
What do you want your family to understand?
Write down who should be considered, which family responsibilities matter most, and which questions feel hardest to answer. Legacy planning is personal before it becomes paperwork.
Which records are already in place?
Bring a simple list of existing life insurance policies, retirement accounts, annuities, trust documents, beneficiary forms, and final expense notes. The list can be handwritten if that is what is available.
Are beneficiary choices current?
Beneficiary designations can be easy to forget after a marriage, divorce, birth, death, job change, account rollover, or new policy. Bring names and account records that may need review.
What retirement accounts need attention?
Old 401(k) accounts and retirement savings can raise questions about account location, beneficiary records, plan rules, distribution paperwork, fees, and tax topics to discuss with the appropriate professional.
What final expense preferences should be written down?
Consider whether loved ones know your preferences, whether final expense coverage already exists, who should receive policy benefits, and where important records are kept.
Which professionals should be involved?
Some decisions require coordinated review. Organize insurance and financial planning questions, then identify which topics belong with an attorney, tax professional, or appropriately licensed advisor.
Ready to organize the first conversation?
Share the planning topic, the best way to reach you, and any records or questions you already know should be discussed.