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First Steps to Estate Planning

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“First Steps to Estate Planning” by Attorney Jon Gasior (Audio)

I often get asked the question, “What are the first steps in estate planning and what should I bring to my initial consultation?”

The real answer is we do not need you to bring all your financial and asset information to the first meeting. The initial meeting is just a conversation to get to know you, your concerns, and your goals. From there, your estate planning attorney will recommend different techniques and solutions to plan your estate. However, it is productive if you have thought about the family members and loved ones whom you would want to include in your plan. It is also helpful if you have a general understanding of your assets, their titling, and approximate values. Regardless, it is not necessary to bring account statements or paperwork quite yet.

The information-gathering stage of the estate planning process happens following the initial consultation. Once the client decides to retain our services, we will walk you through exactly what we need to create your comprehensive estate plan. Together, we will go through the Asset Checklist and discuss the statements from financial accounts, deeds for real estate, beneficiary information, and titling information that we will need. The reason for all of this is to ensure alignment of the asset, especially titling and beneficiary information, with the estate plan. Without aligning the assets properly, the estate plan will not work as you intended. We also need the full legal names of any trustees, executors, agents, or beneficiaries. These names must also be accurately spelled. If you don’t remember the spelling of grandchild, niece, or nephew’s name, you can always contact us once you have confirmed that information.

So, have you been putting off your estate planning because you haven’t quite tackled that pile of paperwork or pulled all your information together? Don’t let that be the reason you continue to procrastinate. Our team is going to take the guesswork out of the process for you. We will let you know exactly what we need to draft your legal plan.

If you need additional resources to get started on your estate plan, we invite you to download our Estate Planning Worksheet and attend a free estate planning seminar!

Most importantly, we hope you go into your estate planning meeting with an open mind, and a desire to participate in the process that will secure your legacy and provide you and your family with peace of mind.

Jon J. Gasior, Estate Planning Attorney
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About Jon J. Gasior, Estate Planning Attorney

His personal experience with family and the problems that resulted from their failure to create an estate plan resulted in his desire to learn more about this area of the law. From his work in the Elder Law Clinic, he further realized the need to plan not only for death, but also for incapacity during their lifetime. About the Author !