Q: How does the process work?
How do I get my estate planning documents?
A: When I meet with my clients, I go over the options of having a trust or not having a trust and I like to focus on educating my clients.
I like my clients to understand their documents so I go over the related issues and uses at the initial conference, in a letter, and at the signing conference. Also, I am available to answer questions after the signing free of charge-- billing only for new documents or research.
The process of getting your estate planning documents prepared and completed usually covers the following:
Initial conference to discuss needs and explain estate planning documents
- a will (two wills if a couple is involved),
- a revocable living trust*
- deed for property in trust*
- certificate of trust*
- trust asset checklist *
- durable financial power of attorney (two if a couple is involved)
- health care power of attorney for both of you (two if a couple is involved)
- health care declarations (commonly called a "living will") (two if a couple is involved)
- explanation letter
- A signing conference.
* sometimes we use a beneficiary deed instead of a trust, but if you have real estate in two different states or if you are planning to leave assets to minors, then a trust is advantageous
After the signing conference, I can assist with preparing the designated beneficiary forms or other title questions, usually free of charge.
I can give estimates of the fees and costs involved at the first conference. My focus is to give you documents that you can use as well as legal advice that is helpful. There are people more expensive and less expensive than I, but the less expensive normally do not give the legal advice that is helpful for using the documents to their full potential.
I usually work in my Sun City office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and in Phoenix on Tuesdays and Thursdays. House calls or hospital visits can be made for clients who have mobility limitations.
Please feel free to schedule an appointment through my assistants Lisa or Marti at (623) 815-7451.
I would be honored to work with you. You can find more information in the following articles:
Where There's a Will There’s a Way: Core Estate Planning Documents