How to Prepare for Your Estate Planning Appointment

Meeting with an estate planning attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Being prepared helps you get the most out of your meeting. Here are some key steps to ensure your appointment is productive and results in a plan tailored to your needs.

Be Ready to Discuss Sensitive Topics

Estate planning involves discussing sensitive matters, such as death, money, medical preferences, and end-of-life care. While these conversations can be challenging, they are crucial for developing a comprehensive plan that reflects your wishes.

Gather Personal and Family Information

Start by collecting details about yourself and your family. The attorney will need information such as:

  • Full legal names of you, your spouse, and children (if applicable).
  • Dates of birth for all family members.
  • Marital status and prior marriages, if any.

These details help your attorney create an estate plan that accurately represents your family’s structure and needs.

Take Inventory of Your Assets

Cartoon man and woman hold pens and write down goals to achieve or make to do list.
Use this article like a checklist to help you prepare.

Be ready to discuss a general overview of your assets and debts. You don’t need exact values or account numbers. Instead, prepare broad details about:

  • Real estate holdings, like your home or rental properties, with approximate values
  • Bank and investment accounts, including checking, savings, and brokerage
  • Retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s or IRAs
  • Business interests, including partnerships or ownership stakes
  • Life insurance policies and their beneficiaries
  • Major debts, including mortgages or loans

This overview helps your attorney understand your financial picture and develop strategies to protect and distribute your assets.

Consider Your Estate Planning Goals

Spend some time reflecting on your goals and concerns. Consider questions like:

  • Who should inherit your assets, and under what conditions?
  • Are there any charitable causes or organizations you’d like to support?
  • Are there any particular issues your attorney should consider, such as children with special needs, heirs who may struggle with managing money, or family members with disabilities, mental health concerns, or addiction challenges?

Identifying your priorities allows the attorney to tailor your plan to your wishes.

Identify Trusted Individuals

Think about who you trust to handle key financial and personal decisions. Bring their full names, addresses, and phone numbers for your meeting.

  • Financial Roles

    Choose individuals who can manage your assets, pay bills if you become incapacitated, distribute assets after your death, or oversee money or property for a beneficiary. Look for someone detail-oriented and financially responsible, with the ability to keep accurate records.

  • Personal Decision-Making Roles

    Select people who can handle emotionally charged and stressful situations. They should be willing to advocate for your wishes, even if they disagree. It’s essential to choose someone you trust with sensitive matters, like end-of-life care, dementia planning, or childcare.

Identifying trusted individuals in advance helps streamline the planning process and ensures your wishes are honored.

Review Current Estate Planning Documents

If you have existing estate planning documents, such as a will, trust, or powers of attorney, bring them with you. The attorney will review these to identify any updates, inconsistencies, or new strategies that may be needed.

Prepare Questions

Write down any questions you may have. We will cover many topics during your first meeting, so bringing a list of questions ensures we address everything important to you and gives you a clear understanding of the process.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your first estate planning appointment sets you up for success. By gathering key information, reflecting on your goals, and identifying trusted individuals, you’ll create a strong foundation for your estate plan.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to schedule your consultation. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

The information contained on this website is intended as an overview on subjects related to the practice of law. Each individual case is different, and laws do change, so please be aware that the circumstances and outcomes described may not apply to all cases and should not be interpreted as legal counsel. Please seek the advice of an attorney before making any decision related to legal issues.