So, you’ve booked a consultation with an estate planning attorney (yay!). Whether you’ve been putting this off for years or you’re the type of person who color-codes their grocery list, we’re here to make the process simple, approachable, and—dare I say it—a little fun.
Estate planning is one of those things everyone knows they should do, like flossing or organizing the junk drawer. The good news is that you don’t have to show up with all the answers or a perfectly curated binder. You just have to show up. But, if you’re feeling ambitious, here are 10 things you should have prepared for your consultation. And if you don’t have them? No biggie—we’ll figure it out together.
1. A List of Your Assets: We’re going to send you a questionnaire to gather the details, but let’s start with the big stuff. We’re talking houses, retirement accounts, investments, savings accounts, and that rare collection of Beanie Babies. If you can jot down an overview of what you own, that’s a great start. You don’t need to bring in every statement from the last decade—just a general idea of what you have and where it’s held. Pro Tip: If it feels overwhelming to list everything, start with the big-ticket items and work your way down.
2. Download and Work on Our Workbook: Before your consultation, we recommend downloading our Estate Planning Workbook from our website. We will also mail you a workbook, or send it in advance if there is enought time! It’s designed to help you organize your thoughts, gather key information, and prepare for your meeting. The workbook includes prompts and checklists to guide you through everything from listing your assets to thinking about your healthcare wishes. You don’t need to complete it perfectly, but working on it ahead of time will help us make the most of your consultation. And remember: You can always leave sections blank or mark areas where you have questions. That’s what we’re here for!
3. Your Goals and Priorities: Here’s the fun part: What do you want to accomplish? Do you want to make sure your kids are taken care of? Do you have a favorite charity? Is there someone you definitely don’t want inheriting anything (we’re looking at you, cousin Larry)? Your goals don’t need to be perfectly fleshed out, but having a sense of what’s important to you helps us craft a plan that fits your needs. And don’t worry—there’s no judgment here. Want to leave money to your dog? Totally doable. Want to make sure your priceless Star Wars memorabilia stays in the family? We can make that happen too.
4. A List of Your Key People: Think of this as your estate planning dream team. Who do you trust to carry out your wishes? You’ll need to think about a few roles: Executor: The person who makes sure your wishes are followed (think of them as the project manager of your estate). Guardian: If you have minor children, who will care for them? Trustee: If you’re setting up a trust, who will oversee it? Healthcare and Financial Agents: Who do you want making decisions if you’re unable to? Don’t stress if you’re not 100% sure yet. It’s okay to say, “I’m still deciding.” We can help you weigh the pros and cons.
5. Information About Beneficiaries: Who are you leaving your assets to? Beneficiaries can include children, family members, friends, charities, or even your favorite barista (if you’re feeling generous). Be prepared to share their names, relationships to you, and any special considerations. And yes, you can leave money to a charity or cause you’re passionate about—we love helping clients incorporate giving into their plans!
6. An Idea of How You Want Your Healthcare Decisions Handled: This is where things get real, but it’s also one of the most important parts of estate planning. Who do you trust to make healthcare decisions if you can’t? What kind of care do you want? These decisions are deeply personal, and there are no right or wrong answers. We’ll help you think through the tough questions, like whether you want heroic measures or prefer something more natural. It’s okay if you haven’t made up your mind yet. Just knowing this is part of the process is a step in the right direction.
7. Your Current Estate Plan (If You Have One): If you’ve already done some estate planning—whether it’s a will, trust, or power of attorney—bring those documents along. We’ll review them to see if they’re still up-to-date and aligned with your goals. Life changes like marriages, divorces, new kids, or significant financial changes often mean your documents need a refresh. If you don’t have an existing plan, don’t worry—you’re in the right place to start fresh!
8. Questions You’ve Been Avoiding: Have questions about estate planning that feel intimidating or awkward? Write them down and bring them with you. Some examples: What happens if I don’t have a plan? How do I make sure my family doesn’t fight over my estate? Do I really need a trust? No question is too small, silly, or complicated. This is your chance to get clarity and feel confident about your plan.
9. A Realistic Budget (With Flexibility!): Estate planning is an investment in your future—and the future of your loved ones. Having a sense of your budget helps us tailor a plan that fits your needs without unnecessary extras. Our firm works on flat fees for estate planning, and we understand that financial flexibility is important. That’s why we offer payment plans to make it easier for you to take this important step. Whether you’re starting small or ready for something comprehensive, we’ll work with you to create a plan that’s both effective and affordable. And remember: The cost of doing nothing is often much higher than the cost of doing it right the first time.
10. A Sense of Humor: Let’s be honest: Talking about what happens after you’re gone isn’t exactly a party. But here’s the thing—we believe estate planning doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. At our firm, we pride ourselves on creating a comfortable, judgment-free environment where you can be yourself. If that means cracking a joke about who gets your collection of garden gnomes, we’re here for it.
Don’t Have Everything? No Problem! Here’s the secret: You don’t need to show up with all 10 of these things perfectly prepared. Estate planning is a process, not a pop quiz. The most important step is simply getting started. Whether you’ve been procrastinating for years or just realized you don’t have a will, showing up to your consultation is the first step toward peace of mind. We’ll guide you through the rest, one step at a time. And who knows—you might even enjoy the process (okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but we’ll do our best). So, what are you waiting for? Download our workbook, book your consultation, and let’s create a plan that protects your loved ones, reflects your wishes, and maybe even makes you smile along the way.
