Wondering what to expect during an initial consultation with an estate planning attorney? Most people feel uncomfortable blindly walking into a meeting with an attorney to discuss their personal life. While we can’t speak for all estate planning attorneys, we are happy to tell you what you can expect from the Smith Barid team.
Your initial consultation with an estate planning attorney is comparable to a consult with a new doctor. Think of it as a “get to know you” meeting. We will ask you questions about your familial and financial history, similarly to a new doctor asking about your previous health.
What Types of Questions Are Asked in the Initial Consultation?
During our initial consultation you’ll be asked to provide information about yourself and your family:
- Are you married?
- Do you have any children?
- What are the ages of you and your family?
- Did you have previous marriages?
- Do you have any grandchildren?
- What assets do you have?
- What are your goals?
- Who would you like to take care of matters when you’re unable to do so?
Our estate planning process begins before you even set foot in the office. After scheduling your initial consulation, we’ll send you a simple worksheet to gather information that we’ll discuss during your meeting. If the forms are returned ahead of the initial consultation we can review the basics, and use the meeting to get to know you and your goals.
In order to make the correct recommendations its important you answer the questions completely & honestly. The answers also help anticipate issues that might arise.
What is the Attorney’s Role in an Initial Consultation?
Our role during the initial consultation is to help you realize your goals while guarding against life’s risks. The estate planning attorney will plot a course to achieve the goals you’ve laid out in the initial consultation. After you agree on the strategies proposed, the estate planning attorney will draft the documents and put your directions in place.
How Do I know If I’m Choosing the Right Attorney?
A segment on CNN financial news indicated that an important factor to consider is your comfort level with the attorney. It’s also important to find out whether the attorney meets continuing education requirements.
Once you’ve had your initial consultation, you’ll know you made the right choice by the sigh of relief you feel as you leave the attorney’s office.
If you are ready to start your estate planning process, call us for your initial consult today. 912-352-3999