Your first estate planning meeting will set the foundation for a plan that reflects your priorities and goals for the future. When you arrive at this meeting, you will want to have all the documents and information you need to cover everything that matters most to you. The following list gives you a clear breakdown of what to bring so you can be organized and ready for your estate planning meeting.
Personal Identification
Bring at least one form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Make sure your ID is current and not expired.
Family Information
Write down the full names, birthdates, and addresses of your spouse, children, and anyone you support financially. Include information about prior marriages, stepchildren, or dependents who rely on you. If you have adopted children or relatives who live with you, list them as well.
Financial Account Information
Collect recent statements for all your existing bank accounts, including checking, savings, and money market accounts. Gather information for retirement plans such as 401(k)s or IRAs, as well as brokerage or investment accounts. Include details on life insurance policies or annuities, too. Make sure you have details like account numbers, balances, and the institutions where the accounts are held.
Property and Asset Documentation
Bring documents that show proof of ownership for any real estate in your name, such as property deeds and mortgage statements. Get records for your vehicles, boats, or other titled property. If you own a business, gather documentation of partnership agreements, stock certificates, or other paperwork that shows your interest. If you own valuables like jewelry or art, you might also want to bring documentation from any appraisals.
Debt and Liability Information
Make a list of all your current debts. Include home mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, and student loans. If you owe personal loans or business debts, include those as well. Bring copies of all recent statements and account summaries, complete with lenders’ names and payoff amounts.
Current Estate Planning Documents
If you already have a will, trust, or power of attorney in place, bring the original or a copy of each document. Even if the documents are out of date, it’s a smart idea to have them on hand for review.
Beneficiary Designations
Bring copies of beneficiary forms for any accounts that allow you to name someone directly to receive funds or benefits after your death. This includes life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts at banks or credit unions. If you have transfer-on-death forms for vehicles or property, make sure you have those handy as well.
Healthcare Information
Gather any documents that outline your medical wishes. This may include a living will, do-not-resuscitate order, or advance directive. If you don’t have any such documents yet, think through whom you would trust to make medical choices for you and bring their contact information. It can also help to write down the names and contact details of your doctors and preferred hospitals.
Contact Information for Key People
Prepare a list of people who might have roles in your plan. Write down the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of those you might want to serve as executors, guardians, or trustees. If you have backups in mind, include their information as well.
A List of Questions and Goals
Before the meeting, take the time to write down a list of questions you might want to ask the attorney. Think about any concerns you have regarding your property, family, or personal wishes. You might also want to make a list of goals you have for your plan, such as leaving gifts to relatives or charities. Bring this list with you so you don’t forget any topics that matter.
Contact an Estate Planning Lawyer Now
Preparing an effective estate plan starts with choosing the right legal team. The estate planning attorneys at Jaspers, Moriarty & Wetherille, P.A., can work with you to gather all the information you need and create a plan that supports your long-term priorities. Contact our office today to arrange your initial consultation and start the process with confidence.