Initial Appointment for Estate Planning

For many the initial appointment for estate planning purposes can be overwhelming. The purpose of this list is to assist you in being prepared for that appointment to make it smoother and be more cost effective to you. We would appreciate, but not require, you to gather as much of the information listed below as possible.

• Copies of any prior estate planning documents such as Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney;
• Balance sheet of assets/financial statement (optional) – if you do not have a formal balance sheet or financial statements, an informal general list of assets and their approximate worth;
• Copies of deeds to real estate owned personally (not deeds for ground owned by corporation) and real estate tax bills;
• Land contracts on real estate you are buying or selling;
• Life insurance policies insuring your life or owned by you insuring the life of another;
• Balance sheets and buy-out agreements for businesses you own;
• Beneficiary designations in force on any retirement plans or accounts;
• Court orders and judgments affecting your estate (divorce, guardianship, etc.);
• Addresses and phone numbers for children/heirs or beneficiaries of your anticipated estate planning.

Please keep in mind that this is a general list and a starting point for your initial estate planning conference. If you are unable to find any of the information, do not worry as we will be able to proceed and provide you direction. We look forward to working with you and look forward to meeting with you at your first appointment.