Getting Your Affairs in Order: A Complete Practical Checklist

After the emotional journey of facing one’s eventual estate, many find themselves staring at a mountain of paperwork and legal jargon. This guide cuts through the fog with a no-nonsense checklist designed for those ready to get practical and take control. Imagine handing your executor a neatly framed executive folder—everything they need, exactly when they need it.

Validating Your Core Legal Documents

Once the emotional groundwork is done, the real business of estate planning begins: validating your core legal documents. This step is about more than just ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring your wishes are honoured, your executor is prepared, and your loved ones are spared unnecessary confusion. In 2026, the legal landscape continues to emphasise three critical documents: your Last Will and Testament, your Enduring Power of Attorney, and your Advance Care Directive. Let’s break down the essential tasks for will and testament creation, executor trustee selection, and legal directives establishment, using Evaheld as your executive folder to keep everything secure and accessible.

The Core Documents: The Foundation of Your Estate Plan

• Last Will and Testament
• Enduring Power of Attorney
• Advance Care Directive

These three documents form the backbone of any robust estate plan. Each serves a distinct purpose, and together they ensure your financial, legal, and healthcare wishes are respected.

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1. Confirm Your Will is Up-to-Date and Legally Valid

Your Will is the cornerstone of your estate plan. It dictates how your assets are distributed and who will manage your affairs after you’re gone. For effective will and testament creation, consider the following:

• Review your Will every two years or after major life events (marriage, divorce, births, deaths).
• Ensure the document is signed, witnessed, and dated according to your state’s legal requirements.
• Check that all beneficiaries are clearly named and that your instructions are unambiguous.
• Store the original Will in a secure location, such as Evaheld, and keep digital copies as a backup.

“A Will is only as good as its last update. Outdated documents can cause confusion and delay for your executor.” — Practical Matters: Getting Your Affairs in Order

2. Ensure Your Chosen Executor is Willing and Capable

Choosing an executor trustee is not a set-and-forget decision. The role is demanding and can be emotionally taxing. Executors must be vetted regularly for suitability, willingness, and capacity. To ensure your executor is up to the task:

• Have a candid discussion with your chosen executor about their willingness and ability to serve.
• Consider naming an alternate executor in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act.
• Provide your executor with access to Evaheld, where all key documents and instructions are stored.
• Review your choice every few years, especially if your executor’s circumstances change.

Executor willingness is often overlooked but crucial for a smooth estate administration.

3. Review and Update Your Enduring Power of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) allows a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become unable to do so. For effective legal directives establishment:

• Check that your EPA is current and reflects your latest wishes.
• Ensure your appointed attorney is still willing and able to act on your behalf.
• Share a copy of the EPA with your attorney and store it securely in Evaheld.
• Review the document every two years or after significant changes in your life or relationships.

A current EPA ensures your affairs are managed smoothly if you lose capacity.

4. Make Sure Your Advance Care Directive Reflects Current Wishes

Your Advance Care Directive sets out your preferences for medical treatment and care if you can’t communicate them yourself. This document can prevent family disputes and ensure your healthcare choices are respected. To keep it effective:

• Review your directive regularly and update it as your health or wishes change.
• Discuss your preferences with your family and healthcare providers.
• Store the directive in Evaheld and provide access to your appointed decision-maker.

Advance Care Directives are essential for avoiding unnecessary conflict and ensuring your voice is heard.

5. Discuss These Documents with Key Family Members

Transparency is key. Let your family know where your documents are stored and what your wishes are. This reduces the risk of disputes and confusion when the time comes. Consider holding a family meeting to walk through your Evaheld folder and answer any questions.

6. Keep Digital Copies in a Secure but Accessible Location

Physical documents can be lost, damaged, or overlooked. By storing digital copies in Evaheld, you ensure your executor and attorney can access what they need, when they need it. Evaheld acts as your executive folder, holding your Will, financial snapshot, and list of liabilities in one secure place. Share access with your executor to hand them a fully organised brief, making their difficult job straightforward.

Checklist: Validating Your Core Legal Documents

1. Review and update your Will and Testament.
2. Confirm your executor trustee’s willingness and capacity.
3. Update your Enduring Power of Attorney as needed.
4. Ensure your Advance Care Directive is current and shared.
5. Discuss your documents and wishes with family.
6. Store digital copies securely in Evaheld and share access with your executor.

By following these steps, you’ll have confidence that your core legal documents are valid, accessible, and ready to serve their purpose when needed.

Mapping Your Financial Snapshot Accurately

Once the emotional groundwork of estate planning is complete, the next step is to get practical: mapping your financial snapshot with precision. This is the backbone of any effective estate plan, providing a clear, up-to-date picture of your assets, liabilities, and ongoing commitments. A well-organised asset inventory creation process not only streamlines executor duties but also ensures your wishes are carried out efficiently, minimising confusion and delays for those left behind.

The Core Documents: Foundation of Your Estate Plan

Before diving into the numbers, confirm that your core legal documents are in order:

• Will: Ensure your Will is current, valid, and that your chosen Executor is both willing and able to act. Clearly state their contact details and keep them informed of their responsibilities.
• Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA): Check that your EPOA reflects your current wishes and is recognised in your state or territory. Share copies with your attorney and trusted family members.
• Advance Care Directive: Make sure this document is up to date and accessible to your Executor and healthcare proxy.

All these documents should be stored securely, ideally in a digital executive folder such as Evaheld, which allows you to grant access to your Executor and key stakeholders.

The Financial Snapshot: One-Page Asset and Liability Inventory

Estate planning checklists consistently highlight the importance of a comprehensive, yet concise, financial overview. The goal is to create a one-page summary that captures your entire financial position at a glance. This document should be clear enough for your Executor to understand your estate without wading through mountains of paperwork.

• Assets: List all bank accounts, superannuation funds, shares, managed funds, and property and real estate holdings. For each, include:
  • Institution name
  • Account or policy numbers
  • Current balances or estimated values
  • Contact details for each institution or adviser
• Liabilities: Document all outstanding debts, including:
  • Home and investment property mortgages
  • Personal loans, credit cards, and car loans
  • Any business or personal guarantees
  • Account numbers and lender contact details

For clarity, present this information in a simple table format, such as:

Include Digital Assets

Modern wealth often includes digital assets. Add cryptocurrency holdings, online investment accounts, and even valuable digital content (such as domain names or monetised social media accounts) to your inventory. Note down access details or where to find passwords (never include actual passwords in your summary—just where they are securely stored).

Debts & Subscriptions: Ongoing Financial Commitments

Executors often face the time-consuming task of identifying and cancelling ongoing financial commitments. Make this process easier by listing:

• Utility accounts (electricity, water, gas, internet)
• Subscription services (streaming, software, newspapers)
• Insurance policies (life, health, home, car)
• Memberships (clubs, gyms, professional associations)

For each, provide account numbers, provider names, and contact details. This ensures nothing is overlooked and recurring charges are stopped promptly.

Simplify: Financial Account Consolidation and Decluttering

Consider consolidating multiple bank accounts, super funds, or investment portfolios. Financial account consolidationreduces paperwork, simplifies your estate, and can even save on fees. Review old or dormant accounts and close those no longer needed. Similarly, declutter physical paperwork by digitising important documents and shredding outdated files. If you wish, you can also make gifts of sentimental or valuable items while you are alive, reducing the burden on your Executor and ensuring your wishes are honoured personally.

Annual Updates: Keeping Your Snapshot Current

Life changes—so should your financial snapshot. Major events such as property sales, new investments, or significant debt repayments should trigger an update. Otherwise, set a reminder to review and refresh your summary annually. This habit ensures your Executor always has an accurate, actionable brief.

Evaheld: Your Executive Folder for Estate Planning

Evaheld serves as the digital executive folder for this entire process. Securely store your Will, asset and liability inventory, and your list of ongoing commitments in one place. By sharing access with your Executor, you hand them a fully organised, up-to-date brief. This not only streamlines their legal and administrative duties but also provides peace of mind that your affairs are in order and your legacy is protected.

“A one-page financial snapshot is the single most helpful document an Executor can receive.”

Tracking Debts and Subscriptions You Need to Cancel

Once the emotional groundwork of estate planning is done, the next step is to address the practicalities that directly impact your executor’s duties. One of the most overlooked yet critical components is the management of ongoing debts and subscriptions. Without a clear, up-to-date financial commitments list, executors can face unnecessary complications, and your estate may incur avoidable charges. This section provides a focused, action-oriented checklist to ensure all debts and subscriptions are tracked and easily managed when the time comes.

Why Tracking Debts and Subscriptions Matters

Ongoing debts and recurring subscriptions can quietly drain your estate’s resources if not promptly cancelled or managed. From home loans and credit cards to streaming services and magazine subscriptions, these commitments often continue to accrue charges until someone takes action. Clear communication with your executor about these financial obligations is essential for efficient debt management and for protecting your estate’s value.

“Listing all ongoing financial commitments prevents unnecessary charges and makes your executor’s job significantly easier.”

Step 1: Compile a Comprehensive Financial Commitments List

Begin by creating a detailed list of every ongoing financial commitment. This should include:

• Loans: Mortgages, personal loans, car loans, credit cards, and any other outstanding debts.
• Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, council rates, phone, and internet services.
• Subscriptions: Streaming services (Netflix, Stan), magazines, newspapers, gym memberships, cloud storage, and any other recurring payments.
• Insurance: Life, health, home, car, and pet insurance policies.
• Charity Donations: Regular gifts or pledges to charities or not-for-profits.

For each item, note the following details:

• Account or reference numbers
• Payment schedules (weekly, monthly, annually)
• Contact details for the provider (phone, email, website)
• Login details if safe and appropriate to share

Step 2: Prepare Clear Instructions for Executors

To avoid undue charges and confusion, provide your executor with straightforward instructions for each debt and subscription. This should include:

1. How to Cancel or Transfer: Step-by-step instructions for closing accounts, paying off debts, or transferring services where necessary.
2. Final Payments: Note if any final payments or gifts are to be made (e.g. a last donation to a favourite charity).
3. Important Deadlines: Highlight any payment due dates or cancellation notice periods to avoid late fees or penalties.

Including this information in your estate planning documents ensures your executor can act quickly and efficiently, minimising the risk of ongoing charges or missed obligations.

Step 3: Keep Your List Updated

Financial commitments change over time. New subscriptions are added, loans are paid off, and utility providers may change. Make it a habit to review and update your financial commitments list at least once a year, or whenever you make significant changes. This ongoing maintenance is a crucial part of responsible debt management and ensures your executor always has the most accurate information.

Step 4: Consider Simplifying and Consolidating

To further ease the burden on your executor and streamline your estate, consider consolidating accounts where possible. For example, you might:

• Pay off small debts in advance
• Cancel unused subscriptions now
• Switch to a single utility provider where practical
• Make gifts or donations while alive, if desired

Reducing the number of active accounts and subscriptions not only makes your estate easier to manage but also minimises the risk of forgotten obligations slipping through the cracks.

Step 5: Store and Share Securely with Evaheld

All this information should be stored securely and shared confidentially with your executor. Evaheld serves as the executive folder for your estate planning project. It securely holds your Will, financial snapshot, and comprehensive list of liabilities. By granting your executor access to Evaheld, you provide them with a fully organised brief—everything they need to manage debts, cancel subscriptions, and fulfil their duties efficiently.

Remember, ongoing debts can create legal and financial complications if not addressed promptly. Subscription services, in particular, are often forgotten and can continue billing your estate unnecessarily. By maintaining a clear, up-to-date financial commitments list and sharing it securely through Evaheld, you ensure your executor can manage your estate’s finances with confidence and clarity.

Checklist: Tracking Debts and Subscriptions

• List all loans, utilities, subscriptions, and regular payments
• Record account numbers, payment schedules, and provider contacts
• Prepare clear instructions for cancellation or final payments
• Update your list regularly as commitments change
• Store and share your list securely with your executor via Evaheld

Taking these steps not only protects your estate’s value but also provides invaluable support to your executor, allowing them to carry out their responsibilities efficiently and with minimal stress.

Simplify to Clarify: Consolidation and Gifts

Once the emotional groundwork is done, the estate planning process shifts to practical, administrative tasks. This is where clarity and simplicity become your best allies. By consolidating financial accounts, reviewing beneficiary designations, and making thoughtful gifts, you create a streamlined estate that is easier for your executor and family to manage. The following checklist will help you tackle these essential steps with confidence and efficiency.

Consolidate Financial Accounts for Executor Ease

Multiple bank accounts, scattered investments, and forgotten superannuation funds can create unnecessary confusion for your executor. Financial account consolidation is a strategic move that reduces complexity and minimises the risk of assets being overlooked. According to industry insights, executors often spend significant time tracking down accounts and verifying balances—time that could be saved with a consolidated approach.

• Review all bank and investment accounts: List every savings, transaction, term deposit, and investment account you hold. Consider whether you truly need each one.
• Consolidate where possible: Merge similar accounts, close unused ones, and transfer balances to your primary accounts. This not only simplifies your estate but also makes it easier to monitor your finances while you’re alive.
• Superannuation funds: Many Australians have more than one super fund. Consolidate these to avoid lost benefits and to streamline the claims process for your beneficiaries.

Consolidated accounts allow easier oversight for executors, reducing the administrative burden and speeding up estate distribution. As you consolidate, take the opportunity to review beneficiary designations on each account to ensure they reflect your current wishes.

Streamline Credit Cards, Loans, and Subscriptions

Outstanding debts and ongoing commitments can complicate the estate administration process. Simplifying these areas is a responsible step in the estate planning process.

• Credit cards: List all cards in your name. Consider cancelling those you no longer use or need. Fewer cards mean fewer statements and less for your executor to manage.
• Loans and mortgages: Document all outstanding debts, including personal loans, car finance, and home loans. If possible, consolidate debts or pay off smaller balances to reduce the number of accounts.
• Subscriptions and utilities: Prepare a list of all ongoing commitments—streaming services, gym memberships, phone plans, and utilities. This list will help your executor quickly identify what needs to be cancelled or transferred.

Evaheld can securely store this comprehensive list, ensuring your executor has immediate access to all necessary information when the time comes.

Declutter Physical Documents and Possessions

Physical clutter can be just as overwhelming as digital or financial clutter. Decluttering is an act of care for your loved ones, making it easier for them to locate important documents and manage your estate.

• Sort and shred: Go through your paperwork, keeping only essential documents—such as your Will, title deeds, insurance policies, and recent statements. Shred outdated or sensitive documents to protect your privacy.
• Organise valuables: Clearly label and securely store important items such as jewellery, heirlooms, and collectables. Consider documenting their location and significance in Evaheld for your executor’s reference.
• Reduce possessions: If you have items you no longer need or want, now is the time to donate, sell, or gift them. This reduces the burden on your executor and can bring peace of mind.

Make Considered Gifts During Your Lifetime

Gifting assets while you are alive can be a strategic element of the estate planning process. Lifetime gifts can reduce the size of your estate, potentially lowering taxes and simplifying distribution. They also allow you to see the impact of your generosity firsthand.

• Identify assets to gift: Consider whether there are items—such as family heirlooms, property, or savings—you wish to pass on now rather than later.
• Understand tax implications: While Australia does not have a formal gift tax, some gifts may have Centrelink or capital gains implications. Seek professional advice if gifting significant assets.
• Document gifts: Keep a clear record of what has been given, to whom, and when. This avoids confusion and helps your executor account for all distributions.

“Simplification benefits both executors and family members. A streamlined estate means less stress, fewer delays, and a smoother transition for everyone involved.”

Use Consolidation as a Beneficiary Designation Review Opportunity

Account consolidation is the perfect time to conduct a beneficiary designation review. Ensure that the nominated beneficiaries on your superannuation, insurance policies, and bank accounts are up to date and consistent with your Will. Inconsistencies can lead to disputes or unintended outcomes.

• Check all designations: Review each account and policy. Update as needed to reflect your current wishes.
• Communicate changes: Notify your executor and key family members of any significant updates to avoid surprises.

Evaheld: Your Executive Folder for Estate Planning

Evaheld serves as the executive folder for your estate planning project. It securely holds your Will, financial snapshot, and list of liabilities, along with supporting documents and instructions. By sharing access with your executor, you effectively hand them a fully organised brief—making their difficult job as straightforward as possible.

Through financial account consolidation, beneficiary designation review, and strategic gifting, you not only simplify your own affairs but also provide a clear, manageable path for those you leave behind.

Evaheld: The Executive Folder That Changes the Game

When it comes to estate planning, the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful ordeal often comes down to document organisation. For those who have already tackled the emotional conversations and are now ready to focus on the paperwork, Evaheld emerges as the executive folder that truly changes the game. This digital solution is designed to bring clarity, security, and efficiency to the legal and administrative side of your legacy, ensuring your executor trustee selection is supported by practical tools and up-to-date information.

In the past, estate planning meant gathering stacks of paper, filing cabinets, and endless checklists. Today, digital executive folders like Evaheld modernise this process, providing a single, secure hub for all your essential documents. The value of this approach is clear: secure document organisation not only reduces the burden on your executor but also minimises the risk of confusion or missed details during a difficult time.

The Core Documents: Centralised and Secure

At the heart of any estate plan are the core legal documents: your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Advance Care Directive. Evaheld acts as the central repository for these critical files. By uploading your latest Will and confirming your chosen executor is both willing and informed, you lay the groundwork for a seamless transition. The same goes for your Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive—these should be current, signed, and shared with those who need them. With Evaheld, you can store these sensitive documents securely and grant digital access only to those you trust, ensuring your wishes are both private and actionable.

The Financial Snapshot: Clarity at a Glance

One of the most valuable tools you can provide your executor is a clear, one-page summary of your financial position. Evaheld makes this easy by allowing you to upload or create a concise overview of your assets—bank accounts, superannuation, property—as well as your liabilities, such as loans and mortgages. This financial snapshot gives your executor a head start, reducing the time spent searching for information and minimising the risk of overlooking important accounts or debts. In today’s world, where digital asset authorisation is increasingly vital, having this information organised and accessible is a true gift to those managing your estate.

Debts & Subscriptions: No Loose Ends

It’s easy to forget about ongoing commitments like utilities, subscriptions, or recurring payments, but these can quickly become headaches for your executor if not properly documented. Evaheld encourages you to list all current debts and subscriptions, from credit cards to streaming services. By keeping this list up to date and stored alongside your other estate documents, you ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. This level of organisation not only speeds up estate administration but also prevents unnecessary costs or complications for your loved ones.

Simplify: Streamlining for the Future

Estate planning isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about making things as straightforward as possible for those you leave behind. Evaheld supports this goal by prompting you to consider consolidating accounts, reducing physical clutter, and even making gifts while you’re alive if that suits your wishes. By keeping your executive folder lean and relevant, you reduce the administrative load on your executor and make it easier for them to carry out your instructions with confidence.

Sharing Access: Empowering Your Executor

Perhaps the most powerful feature of Evaheld is its ability to share access with your executor or trustee. Instead of leaving them to piece together your affairs from scattered files and emails, you can hand them a fully organised brief—everything they need, in one secure place. This not only reduces confusion but also provides your executor with clarity and confidence at a time when they need it most. Access sharing ensures there are no surprises at critical moments, and your executor can act quickly and decisively in line with your wishes.

Ongoing Updates: Keeping Your Legacy Current

Life changes, and so should your estate plan. Evaheld makes it easy to update documents, financial snapshots, and lists of liabilities as your circumstances evolve. This encourages a proactive approach to estate planning, ensuring your information is always current and actionable. Regular updates mean your executor won’t be left with outdated instructions or missing details, further reducing the risk of complications down the track.

In conclusion, Evaheld stands out as the executive folder that brings together all the essential elements of estate planning in a single, secure, and user-friendly platform. By centralising your Will, financial snapshot, and liabilities list, and enabling digital asset authorisation, Evaheld transforms a traditionally paper-heavy process into a streamlined, modern solution. Sharing access with your executor equips them with a fully organised brief, reducing their burden and giving them the clarity they need to carry out your wishes. In a world where document organisation matters more than ever, Evaheld offers peace of mind for you and practical support for those you trust to manage your legacy.

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TL;DR: This step-by-step guide simplifies estate planning with a five-point checklist focusing on valid wills, a clear financial snapshot, ongoing debts, account simplification, and the Evaheld executive folder to ease executor duties.