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10 Crucial Items People Often Forget to Include in Their Will

Don’t leave important details out of your will — here’s what to include to protect your wealth and ease the burden on your loved ones.

By Stacy Garrels

Edited by Laura Ratliff

Updated Dec. 21, 2024

Crafting a will is one of the most important steps to protect your wealth and ensure your legacy is honored long after you’re gone. But even the most meticulous planners can overlook crucial details, leaving unnecessary stress and other unintended consequences for your loved ones to fight through.

It’s important to double-check your estate plan and make sure nothing is overlooked. To that end, here are 10 of the most common items people accidentally forget to include.

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Digital assets and online accounts

No will is complete these days unless it addresses your digital footprint. This includes instructions for managing or closing social media accounts, email accounts, photos and videos in cloud accounts, and digital wallets. Provide clear instructions with passwords to simplify things.

You may want to designate one person to post the notice of your passing on Facebook, Twitter, and other online community groups. Additionally, specify how any digital assets should be disbursed, such as a monetized blog that generates ad revenue, e-books, online courses, or YouTube channels.

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Sentimental items and family heirlooms

While these items might not have a high monetary value, emotionally, they’re priceless.

State in your will who should receive what and why. Some individuals actively avoid doing so because they’re conflict-averse — they would prefer to let their family duke it out after their passing — but you don’t want to leave a legacy of bickering and distrust.

Fought-over items like the family Bible, wedding rings, or other cherished heirlooms can spark disputes that last for decades. Head this off by naming who gets what and why in a will — it won’t get read until after you’re gone, anyway.

Backup beneficiaries

Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. You may want everything to go directly to your children, but what if you remarry or one or more of your heirs has passed away?

Naming secondary beneficiaries ensures your assets are distributed as intended if the primary ones are unable or unwilling to inherit.

This small step can eliminate money stress for your family during a difficult time.

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Pets and their care

Your pets depend on you, even after you’re gone. Set aside funds for their future care and designate a caretaker. Doing so will ensure your pets are provided for and prevent them from burdening family members — or worse, winding up at a shelter.

Outstanding debts and liabilities

Unpaid debts don’t disappear when you pass away. Specify how you want these liabilities managed, whether settling medical bills, personal loans, or credit card balances.

Other parties may sometimes be liable for the debt, such as co-signed loans. In others, the estate executor must ensure payment from the estate’s proceeds.

Clear instructions can streamline the process for your executor and protect your wealth from unnecessary fees.

Business succession plan

Failing to include a succession plan can lead to chaos if you own a business. Outline who will take over operations or how the company should be handled to ensure continuity and protect its value for your heirs.

Some parents divide business ownership equally among their kids to avoid playing favorites, but this can be a massive mistake in securing the company’s future viability. False assumptions creep in, where parents assume that family dynamics will remain unchanged or that children can resolve every disagreement because they are blood relatives.

Discuss the family business with your kids now to determine who’s interested in inheriting it and whether they have the skills needed to take over.

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Overseas assets

International laws can complicate estate matters for those with assets in other countries. List these assets in your will and consult with an attorney specializing in international estate planning, including disclosing foreign investments to the IRS.

Beyond listing the assets, it’s important to understand how local laws, such as forced heirship statutes, might impact the distribution of your estate.

Charitable giving

If giving back is important to you, your will can be a powerful tool for supporting causes you care about. Include details about any charitable contributions you want, whether a lump sum or a portion of your estate.

Funeral and burial preferences

Help your family honor your wishes by including specific instructions for your funeral and burial. From location to type of service, these details can spare your loved ones the emotional and financial burden of making these decisions.

Consider specifying whether you prefer burial or cremation, the location for your remains, and the type of ceremony you’d like, such as a religious service or a simple gathering. You can also include details about the music, readings, or personal touches you’d like incorporated.

Additionally, plan for the financial aspect, such as pre-paying for services or setting aside funds. This can alleviate unexpected costs for your loved ones. Earmarking funds and planning ahead ensures your family can focus on grieving rather than making difficult decisions during an emotional time.

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Naming an executor

Choosing the right executor is crucial to ensure your will is carried out effectively. Select someone you trust to handle your estate with care and attention to detail.

While many parents select their oldest child, they may not be up to the task. If there’s one child now who helps you manage finances and day-to-day decisions, they may be better suited for the role.

Whoever you name, choose wisely and provide them with a clear roadmap to make the process as smooth as possible.

Bottom line

A comprehensive will is essential for protecting wealth, minimizing money stress, and ensuring your wishes are honored. Including these often-overlooked items can save your loved ones from unnecessary headaches and heartache.

Many overlook one detail: keeping their will updated as life changes. Regularly review your will to ensure it reflects your current assets, relationships, and intentions — don’t leave anything to chance.

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