You have decided to meet with an estate planning attorney to get your affairs in order and ensure that your loved ones are protected. Now that you have scheduled the appointment, it is time to get yourself organized and prepare for the first meeting.
Before You Meet With Your Attorney
It is important to know that estate planning is a highly personal process, shaped by each individual’s unique circumstances, goals, and values. Your plan will reflect your specific situation—such as family needs, assets, charitable interests, and long-term wishes—so your intentions are clearly documented and honored. That’s why taking the time to sort through your important paperwork and organize your thoughts surrounding your goals or plans for the future will go a long way toward making the meeting productive and valuable. Skipping this step may leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused due to the amount of information your attorney will need to know to accomplish your planning objectives.
Here are eight practical ways to prepare yourself for your first meeting:
1. Gather basic personal information, for example, a list of full legal names, birthdates, and contact information for yourself, your spouse or partner, your children, and other important family members or friends.
2. Make a complete list of your assets (money and property) and liabilities (debts).
3. Think about whom you want to leave an inheritance to, when you would like them to receive it, and how you want them to receive it.
4. Reflect on your end-of-life wishes.
5. Think about whom you want to make decisions for you and handle your affairs if you become incapacitated or pass away.
6. Gather relevant legal and financial documents, such as recent statements for your bank, investment, or retirement accounts; property deeds; business agreements; and life insurance policies.
7. Consider any special circumstances that your attorney should know about. Every family is unique, for example, you may be part of a blended family, have a child with special needs, own a business, own property in another state, or hope to leave a charitable legacy.
8. Write down your questions.
Estate planning can be surprisingly emotional. You may face questions that touch on sensitive topics, including family dynamics, your preferences for end-of-life care, and whom you would want to raise your minor children if you cannot. You may also learn about planning options you never knew existed. Being open and honest with your attorney will enable them to tailor a plan that best suits your circumstances and wishes. These eight points may seem like a great deal to consider and organize, but the peace of mind you gain from creating your comprehensive estate plan will make it well worth the effort.
Kerlin Walsh Law, located in Palos Heights, is dedicated to drafting Wills and Trusts with warmth and competence. After over 25 years of consulting with clients in her office, their homes and hospital rooms, Eileen Kerlin Walsh, J.D., Principal Attorney, has discovered no area of law is more important or rewarding. Eileen has helped hundreds of families preserve their assets and their family harmony and is ready to help you with her “Healing Law” approach. Need a Will or Trust? Call 708.448.5169 or email LawOffice@KerlinWalshLaw.com.
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