Many times, we see clients come in for their first meeting feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect or bring with them. We even see that this intimidation is a reason why many people put off meeting with an attorney, to begin with.

Let’s take the mystery out of the equation and talk about what you should expect and bring along to your first meeting with your estate planner. 

Review and list your current assets

This may seem like common sense, but it’s important for you to know what and where your assets are if you’re going to create a detailed plan for them. When you meet with your estate planner for the first time, you should have an inventory of your tangible and intangible assets, including your bank, brokerage, and retirement accounts, real estate, any pieces of personal property, interests, the money you are owed, etc. 

Assess Potential Fiduciaries

One of the most essential parts of estate planning is selecting agents you trust to act as your durable power of attorney, guardians of your children, executors of your will, etc. These agents can be people you know like friends or family members, hired professionals like a lawyer, or even 3rd party corporations like the trust department of a bank or a trust company.

While your attorney will help you determine which option is the best fit for each document based on your circumstances and relationship dynamics, it will lead to a more productive discussion if you have a few names in mind beforehand.

Determine a list of potential beneficiaries

Our attorneys believe that it is almost always better to be open with your family about who should receive specific assets. This way, there is no surprise or tension among siblings about the division of assets after you pass away.

Even if you haven’t had the time to plan every asset with your heirs, you should come to your first meeting with a list of potential beneficiaries and a general idea of how you want to divide assets among them.

Learn more about the benefits of openly discussing your estate plan with your potential beneficiaries here.

Estate Planning with Lefkoff Duncan

When it comes to estate planning, sooner is always better than later, and Lefkoff-Duncan is here to help. Our experienced team will assist you in all of your estate planning endeavors so that you’ll never again need to wonder if you’ve done enough to take care of the ones you love. 

Contact us today to learn more!