Free planning guide · 4 minutes

Beneficiary Review Guide

Use a clear prompt list to review the designations that may sit outside a will.

Review the people named on your accounts.

Use this worksheet alongside records from your account providers. Track what you have checked and the questions to resolve before requesting any changes.

Your answers stay in this page and disappear when you reload or leave. Download or print a copy to keep them. Use general notes; do not enter passwords, account numbers, or other sensitive details.

Which accounts and policies need a review?

01Which accounts and policies need a review?

Consider retirement accounts, life insurance, employer benefits, and accounts with payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations.

Have you confirmed the current designations with each provider?

02Have you confirmed the current designations with each provider?

Use current provider records rather than relying on memory or the wording of your will. Record only a general reminder here.

Have you reviewed primary and backup beneficiaries?

03Have you reviewed primary and backup beneficiaries?

Check the names and allocations shown in the provider records, including what happens if a named person cannot receive the benefit.

Have family or life changes prompted new questions?

04Have family or life changes prompted new questions?

Consider a marriage, divorce, birth, death, or a change in relationships. Ask the provider and your attorney what needs attention.

Does anyone need special planning?

05Does anyone need special planning?

Ask an attorney about intended beneficiaries who are minors, receive means-tested benefits, or may need help managing property.

Do you know the next step for unresolved items?

06Do you know the next step for unresolved items?

List questions for your provider or attorney. If you request changes separately, confirm they were accepted and keep the confirmation securely.

This worksheet organizes a conversation. It does not create or change a will, guardian nomination, beneficiary designation, or other legal document. A qualified attorney can advise on your circumstances and state law.

Ready for a next step

Turn your answers into a plan.

Tools are educational only. They do not provide legal advice and do not save your answers.