How to Prepare for an Estate Planning Meeting
Most people delay estate planning because they worry that they aren’t “ready.” They wonder:
What if the attorney asks a question I don’t understand?
What if I fill out the forms wrong?
Will I have more questions than answers?
If you’ve put off making an estate plan because you feel unprepared or overwhelmed, this article is for you. You do not need to have everything figured out before meeting with an attorney; walking you through the process is a huge part of what we do.
In fact, if you don’t know much (or anything) about estate planning, you’re in the majority. As an experienced estate planning attorney, I explain everything in plain language and walk you through each decision step by step.
Here’s what our estate planning process is actually like.
Before the meeting: The intake form
Before we meet, you’ll fill out a simple intake form. I’ll ask you for basic information, such as:- Legal name and contact info
- Family information (spouse and kids)
- Property information
- Any businesses you own
- People you think might fit roles like executor, trustee, or guardian
During the meeting: The conversation
My job in the meeting is to ask clarifying questions about your intake form to confirm that I understand your wishes, then help you understand your options so we can make the best planning decisions for you and your family. Here’s what that looks like:1. We review your form together (in plain language)
- If something looks unusual to me, I’ll ask you about it to clarify your intentions.
- If you own a business, we’ll talk about how it’s structured.
- If you own multiple properties, we’ll discuss whether any of them are rentals.
- If something about your family dynamics needs extra care, we’ll navigate that gently.
2. We talk about what should happen to your real estate
Will it be sold, or given to a beneficiary to inherit? Will they live there, or should it be a rental property? Do you want it divided or handled in a particular way? You tell me the vision, even if it’s a rough outline, and I’ll translate that into a legal structure that accomplishes your goals.3. We discuss your personal property and any specific gifts
If you want to leave jewelry, furniture, art, or a small gift to a particular person, we’ll cover it here. If you haven’t thought about it in that level of detail yet, that’s fine. Most people haven’t. This meeting helps get that process started.4. We talk about how the rest of your assets should be divided
Whether you want things split evenly, set aside for minors to inherit at a certain age, or distributed in stages, we’ll walk through your wishes together. We’ll also talk through backup beneficiaries who will inherit if your top picks are abducted by aliens or otherwise unable to claim your assets.5. We cover medical wishes and powers of attorney
This part is usually easier than people expect. We’ll discuss what financial powers of attorney actually do, how the Georgia Advance Directive works, when and why to name a standby guardian for minor children, and how to document your wishes.6. We make arrangements for your final wishes
From the type of memorial service you prefer to where and how you want to be buried, we’ll also discuss any preferences you want documented for your last rites.After the meeting: The signing
Once we’ve talked through everything, I’ll draft every estate planning document you need to put your plan into action and achieve your goals in the most efficient way. You’ll have time to review your documents and ask any questions that come up. To make things easy, I’ll give you a one-page “map” showing how your plan works and what should happen next for your family members and major assets, so there’s no room for confusion. From there, we’ll have an in-person meeting so you can sign your documents with witnesses and a notary. You’ll also have a few weeks after that meeting to get any final questions answered. You’ll leave with a completed estate plan and the confidence that comes from knowing that you (and your family) know exactly how it will work when the time comes. I’ll also keep a copy in my system, so nothing gets lost.Frequently asked questions
“What documents do you need from me?”
Unless you purchased property before the 1990s, the answer is usually: none. If there’s something specific I need, I’ll tell you, but estate planning takes far less prep work than most people think.“What if I don’t know what I want yet?”
You don’t have to. I’ll advise you during our meeting to help you decide.“What if my family situation is complicated?”
In a complicated family situation, an estate plan is even more important. The process usually goes more smoothly if you start sooner rather than later.“Will I feel dumb asking questions?”
Absolutely not. You shouldn’t need a law degree or a minor in legal jargon to understand how to use your estate plan. I write every plan in plain language so it’s easy to interpret.“What if I choose wrong?”
In the vast majority of cases, the worst choice you could make is no choice at all. We’ll talk through all the pros, cons, and real-life implications so you can assign trusted family members to critical roles with confidence.Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming
You don’t need a law degree to create your estate plan; you just need to show up. Most people imagine an estate planning meeting as a stressful interrogation. In reality, it’s a guided conversation led by an attorney whose job is to make the process as easy on you as possible. If you want an estate plan that accomplishes your goals and clear enough that your whole family can understand it, I’d love to help. Book a discovery call and let’s take this off your mental to-do list.Schedule a Strategy Session
Category