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.

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Jen Prioriello was very professional and easy to work with. She explained everything as we went so I would understand the process. I will definitely use them again.

Richard A. | Roseville, CA
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The team at Filippi Law Firm handled the settlement of my cousin’s estate flawlessly. A difficult time for me as the executor and trustee was made a lot easier having this law firm handle all of the legal details of the settlement. I highly recommend this law firm!

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Our Attorney Jen was extremely helpful navigating us throughout our legal matters. She truly is outstanding! It was a pleasure working with her & her associates at Filippi Law Firm!

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I was in need of establishing a trust and will; very important items to take care of. Although I’m sure I could have got this done for less money, the attention to detail and addressing possible future scenarios was very impressive. I’m a firm believer of you get what you pay for and I’m convinced that the Filippi Law Firm’s experience with estate planning truly shows in the documents they prepared for me. I’m very happy with the results and I feel better knowing this important item has been taken care of so thoroughly!

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Jennifer Prioriello is a true artist at her legal craft. You’d be lucky to have her as your attorney. My advice? Take her and don’t look back. Jen will be the best decision you’ve made in a long time.

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