Preparing for your first estate planning consultation ensures a productive meeting and helps your attorney understand your unique situation. Attorney Kellen Bryant explains what to expect and what information to prepare for your initial estate planning consultation.
Before Your First Meeting: The Intake Process
Before meeting with an estate planning attorney, you should become familiar with their office procedures:
Initial Staff Contact
- Get to know the main person answering the phone
- They should help you with intake information
- Staff will guide you on what to bring to your meeting
- Ask questions about the consultation process
Estate Planning Intake Form
Much like visiting a doctor’s office for the first time, estate planning attorneys use intake forms to gather essential information:
- Personal and family information
- Asset and financial details
- Family dynamics and special circumstances
- Preliminary goals and concerns
Essential Information for Your Estate Planning Attorney
Family Information and Dynamics
Your estate planning attorney needs to understand your complete family picture:
Basic Family Structure
- Children: Names, ages, locations
- Spouses of children: Marriage details and relationships
- Grandchildren: Number, ages, special circumstances
- Current spouse: Marriage history, previous marriages
- Other significant family members: Parents, siblings, dependents
Special Family Circumstances
Be prepared to discuss sensitive but important family issues:
Special Needs Considerations:
- Family members with disabilities
- Government benefits recipients
- Long-term care needs
- Special education or care requirements
Addiction and Financial Issues:
- Family members with substance abuse problems
- Gambling or financial irresponsibility
- Spendthrift concerns
- Need for asset protection from poor decisions
Family Conflicts and Relationships:
- Family strife or ongoing disputes
- Estranged family members
- Divorce situations affecting inheritance
- Blended family complications
- Children who don’t get along with each other
Asset and Financial Information
Your attorney needs to understand what assets you have and their approximate values:
Real Estate
- Primary residence value and ownership structure
- Vacation homes or rental properties
- Vacant land or development property
- Real estate in other states
Financial Assets
- Bank accounts and savings
- Investment accounts and portfolios
- Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, etc.)
- Life insurance policies
- Annuities and pensions
Business Interests
- Business ownership percentages
- Partnership agreements
- Professional practices
- Business succession concerns
Personal Property
- Valuable collections or artwork
- Jewelry and precious metals
- Vehicles and recreational equipment
- Family heirlooms with sentimental value
Preliminary Goals and Wishes
Come prepared with your initial thoughts about your estate planning goals:
Distribution Wishes
- How you want assets divided among beneficiaries
- Special gifts or bequests to specific people
- Charitable giving intentions
- Timeline for distributions (immediate vs. over time)
Concerns and Objectives
- Asset protection concerns
- Tax minimization goals
- Long-term care planning needs
- Business succession planning
- Family harmony preservation
Important Cost Consideration
Understanding the relationship between customization and cost:
Simple vs. Custom Planning:
- Standard estate plans cost less
- The more custom your wishes, generally the higher the price
- Complex family situations require more sophisticated planning
- Specialized trusts and structures increase costs
Cost factors that increase planning complexity:
- Blended family situations
- Business ownership
- Asset protection needs
- Tax planning requirements
- Special needs planning
Documents to Bring (If You Have Them)
While you don’t need to do a detailed financial analysis, consider bringing:
Existing Legal Documents
- Current wills or trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Healthcare directives
- Business agreements or partnership documents
Financial Statements
- Recent bank statements
- Investment account summaries
- Retirement account statements
- Life insurance policy summaries
Property Information
- Recent property appraisals
- Deeds or ownership documents
- Business valuation information
Questions to Prepare
Come ready with questions about:
- Different estate planning options for your situation
- Costs and timeline for creating documents
- How your goals can be achieved
- Tax implications of different strategies
- Ongoing maintenance and updates needed
What Not to Stress About
Remember that your first meeting is consultative:
- Don’t stress about perfect preparation: The attorney will guide you
- No detailed financial analysis required: Approximate values are fine initially
- Follow the office’s guidance: They’ll tell you exactly what they need
- It’s okay to not have all answers: You can provide information later
Making the Most of Your Consultation
Listen Carefully
- Pay attention to the attorney’s recommendations
- Ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand
- Take notes on important points
- Understand the proposed timeline and process
Be Honest and Thorough
- Share all relevant family information
- Discuss concerns about family members
- Be upfront about financial situations
- Mention any existing legal issues
After Your Consultation
Following your first meeting:
- Review any materials provided
- Gather any additional information requested
- Discuss recommendations with your spouse/partner
- Schedule follow-up meetings as needed
- Make decisions about moving forward
Prepare for Success in Your Estate Planning
A well-prepared first meeting sets the foundation for effective estate planning. By bringing the right information and being open about your family dynamics and goals, you help your attorney create a plan that truly serves your needs.
Contact the Berg Bryant Elder Law Group in Jacksonville, Florida today to schedule your estate planning consultation. Our experienced team will guide you through the preparation process and help you create a comprehensive plan that protects your family’s future.
Remember: The key to a successful first meeting is simply following the office’s guidance and being prepared to discuss your family and financial situation honestly.
Related Videos
Author Bio
Kellen Bryant, Esq.
Founder
Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Kellen Bryant focuses his law practice on advising and helping caregivers with a particular focus on asset protection and preservation from long-term care costs, creditors, and predators. Kellen Bryant is AV Preeminent® Rated, meaning his attorney peers rated him at the highest level of professional excellence. Kellen Bryant was nominated and selected as a Super Lawyer, Rising Star: 2022.
