What to Bring to Your Estate Planning Meeting

• Wills
• Trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Health Care Directives or Living Wills
• Beneficiary designations
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
• Divorce decree

Your estate plan may require you to designate individuals to serve in important fiduciary roles, such as executor, trustee, or agent under a power of attorney. Please be prepared to provide the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the individuals you are considering for these positions. 

There is no need to gather balance sheets or financial statements before your meeting. We simply ask that you provide information about any real estate you own and the names of any small businesses in which you hold an ownership interest. 

Perhaps most importantly, think about what you want your estate plan to accomplish. Common goals include:

• Protecting minor children
• Avoiding probate where possible
• Preserving family wealth
• Minimizing taxes
• Planning for incapacity
• Protecting beneficiaries from creditors or divorce
• Providing for a loved one with special needs
• Supporting charitable causes
• Creating a plan for a family business

We encourage you to bring any questions or concerns you may have. Estate planning is a highly personal process, and understanding your priorities is essential to creating a plan that reflects your wishes.

We can fill in the gaps or follow up on needed information. And, you may have provided some of this information in our online intake form. Don't sweat it!  Our goal during the initial consultation is to learn about your family, assets, and objectives so we can guide you through the estate planning process and identify any additional information that may be needed. 

Losing a loved one is difficult, and handling the legal responsibilities that follow can feel overwhelming. During your initial probate and estate administration consultation, we will discuss the deceased person's assets, debts, family members, and any estate planning documents that may exist. Bringing the information below can help us evaluate the estate and explain the next steps. 

 If available, please bring a certified copy of the death certificate. If you have not yet obtained one, we can discuss how to do so during your consultation. 

 Please bring any original or copies of estate planning documents, including:

• Last Will and Testament
• Trust agreements
• Codicils or amendments
• Powers of Attorney
• Living Wills or Health Care Directives

Even if you are unsure whether a document is valid or current, it is helpful for us to review it.

 Please be prepared to provide the names and contact information of:

• The surviving spouse
• Children and descendants
• Other heirs at law
• Beneficiaries named in a Will or Trust

If there are family circumstances that may affect the administration of the estate, such as a deceased child, minor beneficiaries, or family disputes, please let us know.

A general list of the deceased person's assets is helpful. You do not need exact values for the initial meeting.

Examples include:

• Residence
• Rental properties
• Vacant land
• Vacation homes

• Checking and savings accounts
• Investment accounts
• Retirement accounts
• Certificates of deposit

• Ownership interests in a business
• Partnerships
• Limited liability companies

• Vehicles
• Boats
• Valuable collections
• Jewelry
• Firearms
• Other significant assets

Please bring any information available regarding outstanding debts, including:

• Mortgages
• Home equity loans
• Vehicle loans
• Credit card balances
• Medical bills
• Personal loans

If available, the following documents may be helpful:

• Recent bank statements
• Investment account statements
• Property tax records
• Income tax returns
• Business records

Do not worry if you do not have all of these documents. We can often help identify and obtain additional information as the administration progresses.

Every estate is different. We encourage you to bring a list of any questions or concerns you may have regarding:

• Probate proceedings
• Estate administration timelines
• Distribution of assets
• Creditor claims
• Family disputes
• Executor responsibilities
• Trust administration

Our goal is to provide clear guidance and help you understand your responsibilities and options.

Many clients come to their first meeting without every document or detail listed above. That is completely normal. Bring whatever information you have available, and we will help determine what additional documents may be needed and guide you through the probate and estate administration process.

Contact our office today to schedule a probate and estate administration consultation.