I’ve created my estate plan documents. Now what?

After you complete the questionnaire and download your documents, it's important to review the documents before finalizing them. Please refer to the following checklist for items you should double check in your documents:

1. Roles and Designations:
   • Have I designated appropriate individuals for key roles such as executor/trustee, guardian, and beneficiaries?
   • Are primary roles assigned to individuals who are best suited for them, considering their relationship and ability to fulfill the responsibilities?
   • Have I avoided naming myself or multiple individuals together in a single entry for key roles?
2. Beneficiary Information:
   • Have I provided the full names of all beneficiaries to ensure clarity?
3. Asset Distribution:
   • Have I clearly stated the item(s) in Specific Distributions that I want distributed?
   • Have I avoided adding additional specifications to the item description to ensure my documents read correctly?
4. Contingency Planning:
   • Have I included trusted individuals for backup roles in case my primary designations are unable to fulfill their roles?
5. Review and Edit:
   • Have I carefully reviewed the entire document for accuracy and consistency?
   • Am I satisfied with the choices and provisions outlined in the document, or do I need to make any revisions?

If everything looks correct, then you're ready to finalize your documents! Most states do not require you to notarize your documents to be legally valid. However, doing so may help simplify your estate settlement. When you pass away, your heirs will need to prove the validity of your will to a judge through a process known as probate — which can be complicated and time-consuming.

Preparing for Will Notarization: Before notarizing your documents, gather all related documents and follow these steps:

1. Review and Amend: Ensure your plan is up-to-date and make any necessary amendments.
2. Print Documents: Print your will documents without stapling or signing them.
3. Identify Witnesses: Identify two witnesses, excluding those who will inherit from you or hold roles in your will.
4. Find a Notary: Locate a notary public to authenticate your documents. For more information on notarization, go here.

Securing Your Documents: After notarization, ensure your documents are safely stored and accessible:

• Digital Backup: Scan and upload copies to your Origin portal.
• Physical Storage: Secure physical copies in a safe location known to your family or advocates.
• Notify Advocates: Use Origin’s Community tab to inform designated advocates of your estate plan details.

Building Your Legacy: By creating your estate plan, you protect your legacy and provide clarity for your family during challenging times.