How to Prepare for Your First Meeting With an Estate Planning Attorney
Making the Most Out of Your Estate Planning MeetingWhether you’re a newlywed or a retiree, you should have an estate plan. An estate plan is more than a will alone. An estate plan consists of multiple documents underlining the “whos,” “whats,” and “hows” of the management of your finances, assets and family matters in case of your absence.
The first step is often the hardest- deciding to make an appointment to talk to a lawyer about your estate plan. Most of the time, we find that once you take that step, the rest of the process is much easier than the process you went through in the first place to take that step. As opposed to the average firm that may ask their clients to come prepared with countless document copies and tough decisions already made, our team offers guidance through every step of the process. In preparation for your first estate planning session, we came up with a brief list on how you can prepare to meet with us, which does not involve making a painstaking and detailed inventory of everything in your life, but simply organizing your thoughts so that we can better help you get the plan in place that gives you peace of mind. |
We're Here to Help.OR
|
Write Down Your Questions
We encourage our clients to think of us as a resource. We want you to be comfortable asking us anything (especially how you can avoid probate and taxes!). As your estate planning lawyer, it’s essential for us to build a rapport, forming a deep understanding of what you need and the best way to handle your affairs.
Some questions we frequently hear from our estate planning clients include:
You don't have to have the answers to these questions for your first estate planning session, but knowing what is on your mind is a big help to us as we think about the plan that best meets your needs and addresses your specific concerns.
Before the initial meeting, we suggest that clients write down any questions they may have for us. At your first meeting, your attorney will be giving you a lot of information about your options and your choices, so it may be difficult to remember the specific questions that may have been on your mind when you first made the appointment. Having them written down will help ensure that you have clarity and understanding when you leave that first meeting.
Some questions we frequently hear from our estate planning clients include:
- How can I take care of my spouse but also make sure assets are preserved for my children?
- How do I know who I should name as a personal representative, health care proxy, guardian for my children?
- What if my spouse is not a U.S. citizen?
- What if my spouse or I have children from a prior marriage or relationship? How do we make sure all of the children are protected?
- How does a recent divorce affect my estate plan?
- How can I save my family the time and cost of probate court?
You don't have to have the answers to these questions for your first estate planning session, but knowing what is on your mind is a big help to us as we think about the plan that best meets your needs and addresses your specific concerns.
Before the initial meeting, we suggest that clients write down any questions they may have for us. At your first meeting, your attorney will be giving you a lot of information about your options and your choices, so it may be difficult to remember the specific questions that may have been on your mind when you first made the appointment. Having them written down will help ensure that you have clarity and understanding when you leave that first meeting.
Visualize Your Family’s Future
Second, we’d like our clients to think about the future. What assets do you have and want to leave behind for your loved ones? What should become of your children and household after your passing? Who in your family is qualified to make financial decisions and medical decisions if you’re incapacitated? Are there any specific circumstances in your family that you are worried about and want to address in your plan?
With a comprehensive estate plan, these matters are addressed adequately. You’ll receive the proper guidance on specific choices and how to handle your requests, including care for children, a particular property, and choosing your power of attorney. Clients aren’t required to have all of the answers to these questions, but they are helpful to consider beforehand.
With a comprehensive estate plan, these matters are addressed adequately. You’ll receive the proper guidance on specific choices and how to handle your requests, including care for children, a particular property, and choosing your power of attorney. Clients aren’t required to have all of the answers to these questions, but they are helpful to consider beforehand.
Involve Your Spouse
You may be the one tasked with actually making the appointment, but these conversations should also involve your spouse. We typically ask that both spouses attend the first attorney meeting. Most likely your ultimate estate plan will include reciprocal documents for each of you, in order to take maximum advantage of estate tax exemptions but also to make sure that the plan for your children is clear and settled, no matter which one of you passes first.
If your spouse can't be at the initial appointment with you, then it is helpful to go through the exercise of writing down your questions together, so that when we meet we can have a complete picture of the issues your family is trying to resolve. You might also consider having your spouse available for a phone call when you have your first appointment, in case there are any questions about your options or how you move forward that you should both have a say in.
If your spouse can't be at the initial appointment with you, then it is helpful to go through the exercise of writing down your questions together, so that when we meet we can have a complete picture of the issues your family is trying to resolve. You might also consider having your spouse available for a phone call when you have your first appointment, in case there are any questions about your options or how you move forward that you should both have a say in.
Consider End-of-Life Issues
Last, but not least, we strongly suggest that you think about your health care, funeral and burial wishes. These may be sensitive topics to consider, but they are important. Who you choose as a health care proxy should be someone who understands your wishes (for example, when do you or do you not want intrusive life-saving care), and who you trust to honor those wishes. It is also highly recommended to include your preferences with respect to final arrangements in a comprehensive estate plan. Including funeral arrangements in your will ensures your requests are honored and legally bound. It will also reduce the potential for family disagreements at an emotionally difficult time.
How We Can Help
At slnlaw, we simplify the estate planning process, guiding you every step of the way. Our experienced attorneys will help you navigate complex decisions, ensure your wishes are honored, and provide peace of mind for your family's future. With a free initial consultation, we're here to answer your questions and create a comprehensive estate plan tailored to your needs. You can use the button below to schedule a free information call, or give us a call at (781) 784-2322.
Meet Our Estate Planning Lawyers
Emily Smith-Lee is the owner and founder of slnlaw. She is a 1996 graduate of Boston College Law School. She was previously a partner at the Boston office of a large international firm, where she worked for thirteen years before starting the firm that became slnlaw in 2009. She has been recognized as Massachusetts Superlawyer each year since 2013, and in 2018 earned recognition as one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's Lawyers of the Year.
Jenna Ordway: Jenna is a 2013 graduate of Quinnipiac Law School, and also earned an LLM in Taxation from Boston University in 2015. She has been affiliated with slnlaw since 2011, first as a law clerk and then as an attorney. Jenna has been recognized since 2019 as a "Rising Star" by Massachusetts Superlawyers. Jenna wrote a book on estate planning: The Road to Peace of Mind: What You Need to Know About Estate Planning. Jenna has helped many individuals and families with planning to protect their legacies and loved ones, and planning for the future and succession of their businesses.
Sharleen Tinnin: Sharleen is a 2010 graduate of Northeastern University School of Law, and earned her LLM in estate planning from Western New England Scool of Law in 2016. She has been with slnlaw since 2023. Prior to joining slnlaw, she worked with King, Tilden, McEttrick & Brink, P.C. on complex civil litigation matters. She previously worked for the United States Department of Justice, and received an "Excellence in Justice" award in 2017. Sharleen has helped many clients with planning for their legacies and their future, and navigating the probate process in Massachusetts after the death of a loved one.
|
|
|
|
|
