What documents are usually included in an estate plan?

Most complete estate plans include several documents that work together. A typical estate plan may include a revocable living trust, will, durable power of attorney, health care power of attorney, health care directive, HIPAA authorization, and related trust funding instructions.

The trust is often the main part of the plan. It is the “empty box” that we want to put assets into or point assets toward. The will is still important, but in many trust-based plans, the will acts more like a backup document.

The powers of attorney and health care documents are also very important. They help determine who can make financial or medical decisions for you if you are alive but unable to act for yourself.

Estate planning is not just about who receives your assets when you die. It is also about who can help you while you are living if life gets complicated.

*Reviewed by Estate Planning Attorney Casey Connealy, Partner at Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys on June 23, 2026.