Estate Planning Process

Introductory Call

We will have a brief conversation to introduce ourselves and discuss your needs. If you decide to proceed with estate planning, I will ask you to complete a questionnaire with some basic information about your family and assets.

Initial Meeting

We will have a one- to two-hour meeting to discuss what your estate planning documents will say, based upon your wishes and goals. This meeting can be virtual or in person at our office. I will accommodate your schedule, and am happy to meet outside normal business hours. I am able to draft many estate plans for a fixed fee, which I will determine by the end of our meeting.

Draft Documents

I will send drafts of your estate planning documents to you, along with a summary highlighting the important provisions. Depending on your preference, I will either email your drafts via a secure digital link or mail hard copies. If you have any questions or revisions, we can schedule a meeting or call to discuss.

Sign

We will have a final meeting for you to sign your estate planning documents. This meeting typically lasts from forty-five minutes to one hour. This meeting will be held in person at our office.

Estate Planning Documents

Estate planning documents state your wishes in the event of your incapacity or death. Core estate planning documents typically include:

  • A Financial Power of Attorney to appoint an agent to handle your financial affairs if you are incapacitated;

  • An Advance Medical Directive to appoint an agent to make medical decisions if you are incapacitated and to state your end-of-life wishes; and

  • A Last Will and Testament (and, often, a Revocable Living Trust) to name a guardian for any minor child of yours; identify who will receive your assets upon your death; and state how your assets will pass to family, friends, and/or charity in ways that protect against misuse and optimize tax-savings.

Additionally, for higher net worth clients, I may prepare insurance and other gift trusts, if warranted for tax planning. Most importantly, having your wishes documented can prevent stress and conflict for your loved ones during an already emotional time.