When clients come in for estate planning consultations, it can be helpful for them to bring certain items with them in order to use the consultation time most effectively.
If possible, clients should bring with them a list of any substantial assets they own, including bank accounts, real estate, life insurance, retirement accounts, stocks or bonds as well as a list of any specific bequests they are looking to possibly make.
These items can be helpful so we can address each asset in the consultation, further discussing how each asset will pass upon death to ensure the estate plan the client desires is the estate plan which will occur.
It is also helpful when a client brings with them a list of beneficiaries they are considering, and their relationship to them, as well as who they are considering for powers of attorney. Full names are needed, and when a list is provided it can eliminate spelling or relationship errors.
If a client is coming in to execute estate planning documents, their drivers license will be needed in order to notarize their documents at execution in order to verify their identity.
While there naturally can be follow up questions to any consultation, it can also be helpful when clients write down a list of questions they may have prior to the consultation, which encourages them to think in depth about their wishes and desires for their estate planning in advance of the consultation.
All of this information helps us to draft estate planning documents, whether it be a will, power of attorney, living will, trust or any other document utilized in estate planning.
If you have any questions about the topic discussed in this article, or any estate planning matter, please give us a call at Bononi & Company 724-832-2499.