Are You Concerned About How to Prepare for Your First Meeting With an Estate Attorney?

Meeting with an estate attorney for the first time can feel overwhelming. However, with the right preparation, you can make the most of your consultation and go into your meeting with confidence. Here are some steps to help you get ready:

Gather Important Documents

Before your meeting, you’ll want to gather all relevant documents that your estate attorney might need to review. This includes:

• Will or Trust Documents: If you already have an existing will or trust, bring copies for your attorney to review. Whether you want to make changes or completely restructure your estate, it’s helpful to have a starting point. 
• Financial Statements: To plan your estate, it’s important to have an accurate accounting of your assets. Gather bank statements, investment accounts, and retirement accounts so that your attorney can get an idea of what provisions will need to be made. You’ll also want to bring any information about your debts, including outstanding loans, mortgages, and credit card balances. 
• Assets: Bring deeds for any real estate you own. This helps ensure that you plan for every piece of property in your possession. You’ll also want to bring deeds for any vehicles you own, as well as information about any other assets of value.
• Insurance Policies: If you have any standing policies for yourself or any relevant family members, you’ll want to bring them to your meeting. Include life insurance, health insurance, and any other relevant policies.
• Business Documents: If you own a business, bring any relevant documents such as partnership agreements or LLC operating agreements.

Identify Beneficiaries

Make a list of your intended beneficiaries, including their full names, addresses, and relationships to you. This will help your attorney draft documents that accurately reflect your wishes. You’ll also want to make a plan for any dependents in your life to ensure that they are cared for in case of unexpected developments.

Consider Your Goals

Think about what you hope to achieve with your estate plan. Do you want to minimize taxes, provide for a specific dependent or family member, or make sure that your assets are distributed according to your specific wishes? Having clear goals ahead of time will help your appointment with your estate attorney proceed as efficiently as possible.

Prepare Questions

It’s likely that you’ll have a lot of questions for your attorney, but it can be difficult to remember during the meeting itself. Start a list in the time leading up to your appointment; use it to write down any questions you have for the attorney. This could include queries about the estate planning process, specific legal strategies, or how to handle unique family situations.

Practical Preparation

When scheduling your meeting, be sure to confirm the length of the consultation and any specific documents that you should bring. Arrive a few minutes early to make sure that you have time to locate the office and fill out any necessary paperwork. During the meeting, be honest and informed; you’ll need to provide accurate and complete information about your financial situation and family dynamics. Be prepared to take notes and bring your list of questions to ensure that you have complete clarification over everything. Your estate attorney will want you to be as informed as possible when you leave your meeting.

Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared for your first meeting with our estate attorney and set the stage for a productive and informative consultation. If you have any specific questions about wills, probate, or any other aspect of estate planning, it’s a beneficial idea to seek professional assistance. If you’re looking for an estate or probate attorney in the Hamburg, Orchard Park, West Seneca, or Evans, NY area, feel free to contact Walter L. Rooth III Attorney to schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you!