How To Prepare For Your First Estate Planning Consultation

This guide covers the following important points:

• The documents you should bring to your first estate planning consultation.
• How to prepare an accurate list of assets for estate planning.
• Some of the questions you should expect to answer during your consultation.

What Documents Should I Bring To The First Estate Planning Consultation?

Understanding what to bring during our first estate planning consultation can make the meeting more productive and smoother.

You should bring a summary or a statement of what you want to accomplish. If this is written out, it will help the attorney in fixing your will or your trust. You should also bring a list of your family members that would be included in your estate plan. You should also bring:

• A copy of any deeds to property you have
• A summary of your assets in a savings or investment accounts

If Married, Should I Bring My Spouse To The Initial Consultation?

For many people, estate planning is a highly private and secretive affair. Anyone you bring to the process must be carefully chosen and with good reason. It’s common for couples to want to bring their partners but are unsure whether they should.

You should definitely bring your spouse because he or she will be involved in the trust. If we’re talking about wills, each spouse would have his or her own will, but it is okay to have both of you present in either process.

How Can I Prepare An Accurate List Of Assets For Estate Planning Purposes?

One secret to an efficient estate planning process is having a comprehensive list of assets. However, for many individuals, this is easier said than done. There are ways to make the process easier and more effective.

You should bring the most current bank statement for savings and checking accounts or the latest broker statement for stocks, bonds, and other accounts. Also, bring the deeds to the property and the titles to the cars you own.

You don’t have to bring an actual list, but you can bring proof of everything you own, and your estate planning attorney can take over from there. One thing you will not need to bring with you is a list of debts and liabilities; records of your assets will be enough.

What Questions Should I Expect To Answer During The Initial Consultation?

It’s normal for the first estate planning consultation to involve many questions from both you and your attorney as you work together to decide how to best proceed. Some of the questions you should expect to answer from the attorney include:

• Are you looking for a will or a trust:
  If you’re not sure, the attorney can explain the difference. This is important as it ensures the attorney provides you with accurate information and service that aligns with your estate planning goals.
• Is one of your primary purposes to avoid probate:
  Many attorneys ask this question because most people want to avoid probate. If this is the case, the attorney should be able to advise
• What do you want to accomplish with your trust or your will:
  The attorney will also ask what you want to achieve with your trust or will. This is important in setting the right standards and ensuring your wishes and intent are captured in the will.

How Can I Know If An Estate Planning Attorney Is Right For Me?

After talking with the attorney, you should feel comfortable with him or her. That’s of paramount importance. Also, try to determine if:

• He knows what he’s talking about
• Does he answer your questions truthfully and confidently, or is he hesitant about answering, indicating he might not know what he’s talking about?

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on How To Prepare For Your First Estate Planning Consultation, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (864) 271-7940 today