THE ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS

Because we recognize the challenges of caring and planning for the care of a disabled relative once the primary caretaker has died, we provide step-by-step guidance in assisting you to meet those challenges.  We accomplish this through the use of detailed lists even before you come in for your initial appointment.  At the time you make an appointment with our office, we send you an appointment confirmation letter itemizing the types of documents you should bring to your initial appointment.  Enclosed with your appointment confirmation letter you will also receive a comprehensive Estate Questionnaire, which guides the decision-making process in determining what specific documents you will need to meet your estate planning needs.

As with any other communication with our office, all information provided in your Estate Questionnaire is completely confidential and used exclusively for the design of an effective estate plan that meets your individual needs.  Our capable administrative staff can answer any questions you may have regarding the content of the Estate Questionnaire to better prepare you for your initial appointment with the attorney.

To make the most of your time with the estate attorney, we encourage our clients to bring copies of all their financial documentation, retaining all originals for your personal file.  During your initial appointment, the attorney will review the completed Estate Questionnaire and answer any questions you may have regarding the estate planning process. Clients are strongly encouraged to prepare for this initial appointment by answering the questions contained in the Estate Questionnaire as this process will save them time during the initial appointment.  Careful consideration and a thoughtful discussion with family members should be made before naming them as Agents, Minority Guardians, Executors or Trustees in estate documents.  The Estate Questionnaire will help to guide you through the different decisions you will need to make before meeting with the estate attorney.

Once you meet with the attorney and an estate plan is thoroughly discussed, an estimate of time for completion of your documents will be discussed with the attorney.  Drafts of your estate documents are provided to you every time there is a change to your documents providing you with an opportunity to review and approve of the documents before you sign them.  Once you are satisfied with the documents as drafted, you are encouraged to call our office to make a signing appointment during which a finalized version of your documents are presented to you for signature.  We provide the services of a notary public and the required witnesses necessary to formalize your estate documents.