Estate planning can be a stressful process. After all, it can be difficult to think about the future. That is why it is so important to work with the right estate planning attorney. When it comes to finding the right attorney, it is important to do your research. For example, you may want to read reviews of your attorney online. Additionally, it can be beneficial to speak with your attorney in advance to see if they can answer your questions/ guide you through the process. Once you find the right attorney, you will have an initial consultation. This is a meeting to familiarize your attorney with your estate planning needs. In order to do this, there are a number of documents you should bring. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from an initial consultation and the best ways to prepare.
What Documents Should I Bring to an Initial Consultation?
Before meeting with your attorney for an initial consultation, it can be beneficial to gather the following documents:
- 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
- What documents do you want to create? Do you have any special circumstances? For example, individuals who care for loved ones with special needs may benefit from a special needs trust. Familiarizing your attorney with these factors can help him or her create the right estate plan for you.
- A list of any questions you have for your estate planning attorney
If you have any questions or concerns about the estate planning process, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to speak with an experienced and dedicated attorney.
Contact our Firm
The Lauterbach Law Firm is proud to serve clients throughout Rockland County who are faced with legal matters related to estate planning, real estate, foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant law, business law, and criminal defense. If you require the services of an experienced team of attorneys, contact The Lauterbach Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
