Crafting Your Estate Plan: 5 Simple Steps to Peace of Mind
Creating Your Estate Plan in 5 Simple StepsWelcome to the world of estate planning, where securing your family's future is easier than you might think. While the idea of estate planning can be daunting, the process itself is far less intimidating. We've outlined five straightforward steps to guide you from contemplating the future to having a solid plan in place, protecting your loved ones. Don't stress about having all the answers right away—our role is to assist you in navigating your choices and determining what's essential in crafting your plan. Explore these five simple steps below, and when you're ready, reach out to us to get started!
Step One: Set Up Your Free ConsultationWe're flexible with our consultations; whether you prefer in-person meetings or the convenience of phone or video conferences, we've got you covered. Typically, this initial consultation takes around 30 minutes of your time. During this conversation, you will meet with one of our consultants, whose job it is to understand your concerns, questions, assets, and goals, and talk to you about how we might be able to help.
Think of the consultation as a conversation where you share your information and concerns with us. You do not need to invest much, if any, time to prepare for it. Step Two: Meet With the Attorney and Select Your OptionsIf you decide to enlist our help with your plan, the next step is a meeting with one of our estate planning attorneys. They will have access to all of the information you provided in the consultation, and will be prepared to walk you through the different options available for your estate planning documents. Typically, a comprehensive estate plan for most families includes a combination of wills, trusts, a durable power of attorney, and a health care proxy. You can explore essential estate planning documents for various stages of life to understand what most people need.
At this meeting, the attorney will provide recommendations for your comprehensive estate plan. We can fine-tune the details later, such as naming a guardian for your minor children (if applicable), appointing a Personal Representative (formerly known as an Executor), and specifying asset distribution. At this stage, we'll focus on explaining the structures you can choose from to assemble your plan. We'll be there to answer any questions you have and address any concerns. Step Three: Review Your DraftsAfter you have selected a plan, our estate planning lawyers will take the information you've provided and prepare the documents you've selected. You'll receive draft versions of your wills and trusts for your review. This is the point where we may need additional details, such as the names of your chosen Personal Representative or guardian, specific bequests, and more.
By this stage, most of the heavy lifting is complete. As you review your documents, you'll have the opportunity to speak with our lawyers if you have questions, concerns, or any changes you'd like to make. Step Four: Sign Your DocumentsWe'll schedule a final appointment for you to sign the documents. We'll provide the necessary notary and witnesses and guide you through the signing process to ensure all technical requirements are met, making your documents legally valid. Your only task is to attend the appointment, and you'll leave with your comprehensive estate plan in hand.
If reaching our offices is challenging for any reason, we can arrange to come to you with the documents and a notary public. All you'll need to do is ensure two adults who are not named in your will are available to witness the signatures. |
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Step Five: Safeguard Your Estate Planning Documents
While we'll maintain both hard and electronic copies of your documents, your original signed wills and trusts should be securely stored. Ensure your chosen Personal Representative knows their location. Options for safe storage include a bank's safe deposit box, a fireproof home safe (with the key or combination noted in a location known to a family member), or sending a copy of instructions on accessing the documents to your Personal Representative.
If your plan incorporates a living trust, ensure anyone you've named as a trustee or successor trustee is aware of the document and has a copy. The same applies to individuals you've designated as health care agents or alternates.
Remember, if your family can't locate your estate planning documents, they may not even know you've left a will in the first place.
If your plan incorporates a living trust, ensure anyone you've named as a trustee or successor trustee is aware of the document and has a copy. The same applies to individuals you've designated as health care agents or alternates.
Remember, if your family can't locate your estate planning documents, they may not even know you've left a will in the first place.
That's It-You're All Set!
With these five simple steps, you'll have an effective estate plan in place, providing you and your loved ones with peace of mind for the future.
Wondering What Estate Planning Documents are Right for You?
Our Solutions Roadmap is a quick and easy way to share some information about your situation and your goals and receive preliminary feedback from a member of our team. Use the button below to get started- it is 100% confidential and 100% free.
How Our Estate Planning Lawyers Can Help
At slnlaw, we're here to guide you through the estate planning process with expertise and care. Our experienced team will assist you in setting up a comprehensive estate plan, including wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, and health care proxies. You can use the button below to schedule a free information call, or simply give us a call at 781-784-2322.
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