If you are beginning the estate planning process, you likely have a lot on your mind. It can feel overwhelming when you are thinking about your future and making decisions that will impact yourself, your friends, and your family. Something that helps ease the stress of estate planning is to be educated about the process. If you know what you are walking into, you likely won’t feel as intimidated. One of the first steps of the estate planning process is an initial consultation with your estate planning attorney.
What is an Initial Consultation?
An initial consultation is a meeting with your attorney so that he or she can find out more about you and your estate planning needs. One way to familiarize your attorney with your situation is to provide some important documents. These documents will be crucial when it comes to the estate planning process. Bringing them to the initial consultation will help your attorney better understand your needs, and it will allow the process to go smoother. Some of the documents you should bring include:
- Your financial statements (checking, savings, money market, brokerage, pension, IRA, etc.)
- Your most recent bank, investment, and retirement account statements
- The deed to your house
- Your previous estate planning documents, if you have any
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Divorce agreements
- Business agreements.
- Copies of your retirement plan
- Copies of your life insurance policy
- Contact information of your doctors
- Contact information for family members
- An unofficial list of the people you may want to list as trustees, executors, health care agents, etc.
- A list of your estate planning goals
- A list of any questions you have for your estate planning attorney
The documents you have will differ depending upon your lifestyle, financial situation, family, etc. so scan the list and see which documents apply to you. If you have any questions about what to bring or about an initial consultation in general, reach out to an estate planning attorney for more information.
If you are ready to begin the estate planning process, contact our firm. We are here to make a personalized estate plan that suits your needs. We understand the stress of estate planning, so we are here to make it as easy as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out today.
Contact our Firm
Sometimes, divorce, family, and estate matters are difficult to navigate. Fortunately, they do not have to be with the assistance of a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney who is willing to guide you every step of the way. If you need a seasoned firm to help you with any divorce, family or estate-related matter, please do not hesitate to contact Collis & Griffor today to schedule a consultation.
