Putting together an estate plan? If so, consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in this area of law. Your initial estate planning meeting will allow you the chance to discuss your family’s financial situation and cover concerns and goals. Preparing ahead of time for this meeting will smooth the way for you and your attorney.
Bring these items to your first appointment:
- Before meeting with the estate attorney, write down your goals for your estate plan.
- Record the concerns that prompted you to make the appointment.
- Jot down specific information to educate your attorney about your family dynamics. These include beneficiaries or facts about a blended family, if applicable.
- This information will equip the attorney to prepare your estate plan. Understanding your unique situation will give him the info he will need so he can accommodate your unique circumstances.
Also, Bring These Documents:
- Documents related to your assets
In an ideal world, you should have an inventory of all your bigger assets — for example, your vehicle(s), home(s), insurance policies, retirement accounts, and bank accounts. Knowing exactly what assets you own and where they can be found is critical to your estate plan. - Documents related to your liabilities
While this may not be fun, any significant debts you have must also be accounted for to create an estate plan providing the best protection for you and your loved ones. An estate planning attorney may want to use financial tools such as trusts to ensure your assets go to your loved ones and not to creditors to pay off debt. - Contact information of other advisors
Whether you use the services of a financial advisor, an accountant or CPA, or an insurance agent, be sure to bring in their contact information so that the estate planning attorney has a point of contact for each aspect of your estate plan. Estate planning is a collaborative effort, with each advisor holding a piece of your financial puzzle. By providing the contact information, it will be easier for all of your trusted advisors to work together to carry out your ultimate goals. - Questions
Having a list of questions and concerns can keep you on track with the discussion and ensure that you get the answers you need as you go through the estate planning process.
Please note, if the attorney sends you forms to fill out before your scheduled appointment, complete them. Depending upon the attorney’s process, these forms or questionnaires may need to be returned prior to the scheduled meeting date. Complete documents help estate attorneys accurately assess estate planning needs. This streamlines the appointment process.
Unprepared? Show up, anyway!
Sometimes, the biggest hurdle is making the initial appointment. Preparation before an initial meeting is ideal, but not absolutely necessary. In fact, we can secure this information when you come into the office. While it is the attorney’s job to develop the strategy for your estate plan, you can help by identifying your goals and considering the legacy you wish to leave.
Don’t Delay: Call Today
Ready to take the next step in your estate planning journey? Give us a call. We would love to help guide you through the process and make sure your goals are carried out.
About Skvarna Law Firm in Glendora and Upland, California
A skilled attorney can assist with your estate plan. Contact us today to learn about your options (909) 608-7671. We operate offices in Glendora and Upland, California. We provide legal services for individuals living in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties. This includes the cities of Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Colton, Rialto, Chino, Chino Hills, Glendora, Claremont, Montclair, Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas, Azusa, Covina, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Corona, Norco & Mira Loma. Visit SkvarnaLaw.com to learn more.
