What to Bring to a Meeting With an Estate Planning Attorney

Attorney Image By: James Filippi

Important Items to Bring to an Estate Planning Lawyer Consultation

Planning for the future is a smart and responsible initiative that everyone should take. When it comes to estate planning, it is essential that you seek the guidance of an experienced estate planning attorney. You can book a free consultation with us at Filippi Law, P.C., here or by giving us a call at (916) 333-7910. Whether you are meeting with your attorney for the first time or reviewing your existing estate plan, being organized and prepared will make the process more efficient. To ensure a productive meeting, it is essential to bring information that may help your estate planning attorney understand your goals and put together a personalized estate plan. This blog post goes over the essential items you should bring to a meeting with an estate planning lawyer.

Bring a valid form of identification, such as your driver’s license or passport, to establish your identity and facilitate the legal process. In addition, bring copies of any pertinent legal documents related to your estate, such as:

  • current wills or trust documents
  • living wills or advanced healthcare directives
  • business ownership documents
  • beneficiary designations for pension plans and life insurance policies
  • powers of attorney
  • marriage, divorce, or prenuptial agreements
  • real estate deeds
  • list of liabilities and debts

Estate Planning requires a comprehensive overview of your financial situation. Bring the following documents to help your attorney understand your assets, liabilities, and financial objectives:

  • bank statements
  • retirement account statements (e.g., 401(k) IRA)
  • Real estate documents (deeds, mortgages, etc.)
  • investment account statements
  • business ownership information
  • documentation of outstanding loans and debts

Planning your estate involves making decisions about your loved ones and beneficiaries. Bring their full names, birth dates, and contact information. In addition, consider providing pertinent documents.

  • birth certificates
  • adoption documents
  • marriage documents
  • divorce decrees
  • social security numbers

 

Before meeting, jot down any estate planning-related concerns or questions you have. This may include questions regarding particular legal documents, tax implications, or the distribution of assets. Having these questions prepared will allow you to maximize your time with the lawyer and obtain clarity on crucial matters.

Clarify your personal estate planning goals and objectives. Do you have specific distribution preferences for your assets? Which charitable causes would you like to support? By clearly articulating your intentions, your estate planning attorney will be able to construct a plan that aligns with your preferences and assists in achieving your goals.

Meeting with a lawyer who specializes in estate planning is essential to securing your future and ensuring that your wishes are carried out. By bringing necessary documents, information, and questions to your meeting, you can maximize its efficiency and help your attorney create a customized estate plan that reflects your goals. Remember that estate planning is a dynamic process, and regular evaluations with your attorney are necessary to account for changes in your life. With a well-considered estate plan in place, you can rest assured that your loved ones and assets are safeguarded in accordance with your wishes.

Filippi Law Firm, P.C., provides legal services in estate planning, probate, trust administration, trust litigation, and personal bankruptcy in the greater Sacramento area, with a focus in Rocklin, Roseville, Lincoln, and Granite Bay. Give us a call at (916) 333-7910 or fill out the contact form to get in touch with our office. Consultations are free, and they can be done over the phone, via Zoom, or in person at our office in Rocklin, California. Prepare for your future and work with the best estate planning attorneys today.

Satisfied Client Stories

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I had many questions regarding a trust set up by a family member that gave me power of attorney without my knowledge. This family member became incapacitated and I suddenly had a ton on my plate to deal with and no idea where to even start. I contacted the Filippi Law Firm after trying to get help from quite a few other firms and being told they weren’t interested. Well, I finally came to the right place. They answered all my questions in a timely manner, for a reasonable fee, and put my mind at ease.

Next, I will be getting help from them to update all the documents related to my own affairs. I know they will handle this in the same timely and professional manner that they showed in our previous dealings.

If you’re on the fence, don’t be. Give them a call. You won’t regret it.

Greg H. | Granite Bay, CA
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I very much appreciated working with Jen at the Filippi Law Firm. My Will is thorough and complete and I feel very good providing that for my family!

Catherine S. | Roseville, CA
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Selecting Filippi Law firm was perfect for my needs. Updating my Living Trust – every aspect of the document was clearly explained and my requests were met with sincere interest. And solutions offered to questions unanswered by the previous firm! The initial consultation was free of charge and not rushed in any way. I’m happy to recommend Filippi Law Firm with sincere confidence.

Connie B. | Lincoln, CA
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Filippi Law made every step of creating our Trust easy and seamless. I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Annie B. | Mission Viejo, CA
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We came to Filippi Law Firm needing assistance with a probate matter. Along the way my wife and I decided to get our affairs in order as well. Having never been through either process we were not very knowledgeable and in need of serious guidance. Jen, Katia, David and the rest of the team have been very informative, helpful, caring and patient with us while we navigate this unexpected journey. Thank You team Filippi!!

Jerry H. | Antelope, CA
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Walking into the Filippi Law Firm you are greeted by a friendly and welcoming receptionist. Any concerns regarding picking the right law firm are quickly erased. Jim Filippi and his staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They are extremely knowledgeable in Estate Planning, the reason for my need of an attorney. After obtaining my estate information they quickly got to work on updating my Revocable Living Trust and associated documents. Their fees were extremely reasonable for the time and effort they put forth. I highly recommend the Filippi Law Firm.

Andrew G. | Granite Bay, CA

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