Your Estate Planning Guide

Estate planning requires you to answer many questions that you might not have considered before. Many of our clients appreciate having an idea of what to expect before they start working with us.

These are the questions that are likely to come up during the estate planning process, so it’s a good idea to start thinking about them!

 

Questions you should be prepared to answer

  • Why is it important to you to get your estate plan set up? 

  • What types of assets do you plan to leave to your heirs? 

  • Cash, investment accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, vehicles, RVs, etc

  • Who would you like to leave your money and property to? 

  • Who do you want to help with financial or healthcare decisions if you are not able to make them for yourself? 

  • Do you have concerns about any of your heirs being able to handle an inheritance (e.g. young children, addictions, poor financial decision-making, possibility of divorce)? 

  • Do you have plans for any pets you have? 

  • Do you have plans for any firearms you own? 

  • How well do your heirs get along? 

  • Do you expect anyone to be upset or disappointed about your plans for dividing up your property? 

  • Do you expect anyone to be upset about who you select to help you with your financial, healthcare, or estate planning decisions in the future? 

  • If you’re part of a blended family, do you have specific ideas about protecting your current spouse or children from a previous marriage? 

  • Are you and your heirs US citizens? 

  • Do you work in a profession with a high likelihood of being sued? 

Other Information Required

In addition to answering these questions, and no matter who you choose as your estate plan attorney, you will need to provide the following personal information once you begin your estate planning journey.

  • Copies of your drivers license

  • Asset information — including your account statements

  • Deeds to any real estate you own — don’t have them? We can help!

  • Contact information (name, phone number and address) for ALL people you list in your documents (and sometimes the people you won’t list in your documents!)