Estate planning can be stressful, but going into the process with an idea of what you are walking into can help ease your mind. Read on to learn more about some of the estate planning basics and what you can expect from an initial consultation.
Common Estate Planning Documents:
When it comes to estate planning, it can help to have an idea of what you want. Some of the most common estate planning documents include a will, trusts, a power of attorney, and an advance healthcare directive. Reading up on these documents can give you a sense of what you are looking for before you even meet with your attorney.
What Should I Bring to my Initial Consultation?
An initial consultation is a meeting between you and your estate planning attorney. The goal is to familiarize your attorney with your estate planning goals so he or she can help you create a unique estate plan that suits the needs of you and your loved ones. One of the best ways to do this is to bring a number of important documents. Some of the documents you may wish to bring include:
- Your financial statements (checking, savings, money market, brokerage, pension, IRA, etc.)
- Your most recent bank, investment, and retirement account statements
- The deed to your house
- Your previous estate planning documents, if you have any
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Divorce agreements
- Business agreements.
- Copies of your retirement plan
- Copies of your life insurance policy
- Contact information of your doctors
- Contact information for family members
- An unofficial list of the people you may want to list as trustees, executors, health care agents, etc.
- A list of your estate planning goals
- A list of any questions you have for your estate planning attorney
If you do not have access to all of these documents, there is no need to worry. Instead, simply bring the documents that apply to your situation.
If you are ready to begin the estate planning process, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM
Whether you are dealing with matters involving estate planning, estate administration, or elder law, you need a legal team that you can feel confident will represent your best interests, every step of the way. We are that legal team. Contact Heritage Elder Law & Estate Planning today so we can get started.