Note that any foundational testamentary plan should include disability planning documents, discussed separately. Additionally, basic testamentary documents usually include a Will (sometimes referred to as a Last Will or Last Will and Testament). A Will can be drafted to refer to a separate Memorandum of Personal Effects which allows you to determine how individual items of your personal property will be distributed at your death. The benefit of using a separate Memorandum of Personal Property is that it can be changed throughout your life.
Additionally, you are able to change your Memorandum of Personal Property yourself, without the assistance of your lawyer (your lawyer will explain how to do this when he or she drafts your basic estate planning foundational documents)..
Another document that is usually part of a foundational estate plan is a Memorial Letter, which allows you to specify your wishes for any final memorial or other funeral arrangements upon your death or simply leave your thoughts to your loved ones or others.
An Anatomical Gift Form is also included in many foundational estate plans. This document allows you to make gifts at your death of your organs or tissue to benefit individuals of your choice.
