How to Prepare for an Estate Planning Consultation
I have found that it is common for people to put off drafting their estate planning documents. I often have clients asks about wills and trusts and even meet to discuss drafting these documents but they often choose not to complete the process for several months or even years. I believe it is part of the human condition not to want to think about the end of your life, potential medical issues or distributing your assets. However, if you are still in the process of thinking about estate planning here is a simple guide of information that you should gather to bring to your first consultation:
Contract Information
- Contact information for you and your spouse
- Contact information for your immediate family
- Contact information for any other beneficiaries
- Contact information for your personal representatives
- Any existing will or trust
Medical Status
- Medical status of you and your spouse
- Any care needs of family members
- Current benefits being receive by family members
- Health insurance information
- Any existing health care directive, power of attorney or appointment of guardianship
Income Information
- Any current sources of income (job, rental properties, etc.)
- Any retirement, social security or disability payments you receive
- Any other potential income sources
Assets
- Any real properties that you own
- Any vehicles or other large assets
- Checking/Savings account information
- Amount of cash that you keep
- Certificates of deposit
- Stocks/Bonds/Mutual Funds
- Any annuities or life insurance
Liabilities
- Mortgage information
- Vehicle loan information
- Credit Card debts
- Student debts
- Personal loans
I have found that preparing this information helps people to begin thinking about their estate planning needs whether that be a will/trust, appointment of a guardian or powers of attorney. If you need assistance with any of these items please give me a call.
Legal Disclaimer:
The information on this page does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as each situation is fact specific and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. The information on this page is solely for the purpose of legal education and is intended to only provide general information about the matters stated therein. The information on this page should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney that practices in the subject area of the matters stated therein. No attorney-client relationship is formed without an actual agreement confirmed in writing. I am licensed only in Washington, Oregon and Arizona.