Question 1

What does an estate plan include?

Accepted Answer

An estate plan is more than just legal documents.  Estate planning also involves coordinating assets with your wishes and legal documents. As part of our process, we will advise you on how best to set up title and beneficiary designations for your assets to ensure your wishes are followed.

Question 2

How much does an estate plan cost?

Accepted Answer

We charge a flat fee for our services and you will know the total cost of your estate plan before you start working with us.  Our flat fees are customized to your individual needs and goals, so we will need to meet with you before quoting you a fee.  Our initial consultation is complimentary, so there is no financial risk to you to meet with us and be quoted a cost.

Question 3

What kinds of documents do I need to have an estate plan?

Accepted Answer

A complete estate plan should include documents to address your incapacity and death.  Depending on your needs and goals, your estate plan may include a Will, Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and Living Will.

Question 4

What information will I need to share with you?

Accepted Answer

We will ask you for information about your loved ones, as well as information about your assets. We understand the private and sensitive nature of such information and take serious our duty to keep your information strictly confidential.

Question 5

Can I bring other people to my initial meeting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to bring loved ones or other professionals who you would like to be a part of your estate planning process.  However, we may ask to meet with you alone at some point during our process to ensure you have the opportunity to privately discuss your estate plan with us.

Question 6

Do you offer virtual meetings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are glad to conduct most of our meetings virtually!  We use Zoom for virtual meetings and can also speak by phone. However, because your legal documents must be ink signed originals, we will ask you to come to our office to sign your estate planning documents.

Question 7

How do I receive my estate planning documents at the end of the estate planning process?

Accepted Answer

We believe that the time and care you have invested in creating your estate plan should be evident in the finished product you receive from our office.  Your estate planning documents will be given to you in a custom portfolio and neatly organized with identifying information and explanations for each document.  Your portfolio will also include places for you to record your wishes regarding your funeral or memorial, as well as a place where you can list specific items of tangible property (such as furniture or jewelry) to go to specific people.  Our goal is that you or your loved ones can use your portfolio to more easily understand what your estate plan says.

Question 8

What is a team approach to estate planning?

Accepted Answer

We love working with other professionals to create a team approach to your estate plan.  This may include financial advisors, accountants, or other attorneys.  We will gladly include financial or other professionals in the estate planning process to help you create a team to assist you in developing your estate plan, and your loved ones in administering your estate.  Knowing you have a team ready to help you or your loved ones in difficult times can be comforting and we respect that work and relationships you may have with other professionals.

Question 9

Why should we work with your firm rather than use an online will or trust form maker or “simple will”?

Accepted Answer

Online legal forms and simple will forms can be problematic because they may not adequately address more complex legal issues or your unique personal circumstances. They often lack the personalized guidance and expertise provided by an estate planning attorney, which can lead to errors or oversights in the document. Such low-cost forms may not account for changes in laws or ensure proper execution and witnessing, potentially rendering the documents invalid. Ultimately, relying solely on these types of fill in the blank legal forms can result in unintended consequences and may not fully protect your assets or accurately reflect your wishes. Estate planning is a conversation, not a one-size-fits-all approach, and computers and forms cannot ask you the questions needed to fully ascertain your specific needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions