Initial Consultation

The estate planning process begins with an initial, free consultation.  This appointment usually takes an hour to hour and one half.  I obtain basic familiarity with the potential client, their family situation, and obtain general financial information.  I discuss a variety of estate planning concepts with the potential client, including estate taxes, probate, forms of property ownership, beneficiary designations, and the various documents which are part of a typical estate plan.  At the initial consultation, I get to learn about the potential client, their issues and concerns.  The potential client gets to learn about estate planning and how I run my practice.  I answer any questions the potential client might have. 

A careful analysis of the estate tax and how it might effect the potential client is made.  The estate tax is a tax that the Internal Revenue Service assesses on the transfer of ownership of assets when someone passes away.  It can be levied on life insurance, real estate, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, retirement plans - anything of value.  While most estate’s are not subject to the estate tax, if your estate is, the effect on your children or other beneficiaries can be extremely significant.  In some cases, the estate tax can exceed 50% of the value of your assets.  Various concepts and strategies to eliminate or diminish the estate tax are discussed.

Particular attention is paid to the plan of distribution.  For many potential clients, the plan of distribution is simple.  They leave all of their assets to their children in equal shares.  But for clients who have younger or disabled children, or no children, the plan of distribution can be quite complex, and careful attention is given.

A complete discussion is had of concepts related to incapacity.  Properly drafted Trusts and powers of attorney can facilitate your loved one’s handling of your financial and health care matters in the event you become unable to handle such matters for yourself.

At the end of the initial session, I give the potential client a firm quote on what I would charge to implement the suggested estate plan.  At that point, it is up to the client to decide if they want to proceed. In any event, there is no charge for the initial consultation.

All estate planning services are provided on a flat fee basis.  The fee is payable at the end of the process, when the client signs the final drafts.  The fee includes preparation of the required documents, and the professional services required to properly fund the Trust.  The fee also includes any follow up questions the client may have related to estate planning.