This is an overview of the process needed
for trusts and wills at this law office. It has been written
in response to questions from clients regarding what to expect
when an estate plan is prepared. The steps usually taken when
a trust or will is prepared and signed are as follows:
1. The clients contact this law office
for a free initial consultation for their estate plan. For more details about the first meeting,
click here: Free consultation.
The first meeting and all subsequent meetings are with an attorney,
and not with a paralegal or other law office staff members. Fees
are also discussed at the first meeting. For more information
about fees, click here: Fees for estate plans.
2. After the first meeting, the clients
consider the options presented and then decide whether to proceed
with an estate plan. If the clients decide to have this law office
prepare the plan, a second meeting is set up to discuss the information
needed for the estate plan. An engagement letter and a fee agreement are
also signed.
3. At the second meeting, details of the
trust or will are discussed and additional information
may be requested. In some cases clients will need additional
time to make decisions about their distribution plans or about
who should serve as successor trustees.
4. When all of the information is received,
draft copies of all of the documents are prepared and sent to
the clients.
5. The clients review the draft copies
and either call for further information or set up a meeting to
discuss the estate plan. There is no additional charge for the
meeting or for making changes in the draft copies of the documents.
6. After questions have been answered and any changes
have been made, a final meeting is scheduled to sign the documents. At that
meeting a letter is given to the clients regarding transfers of assets to the
trust. Three copies of each document also are provided. There is no additional
charge for notarization of the documents or for witnessing a will.
7. Deeds that have been signed by the clients
are then recorded by this law office in the counties where the
property is located. The clients make arrangements with their
banks, brokerages, etc., to have other assets transferred to
the trust.
