what to bring to an estate attorney

For example, depending on the facts of your case or your situation, you may need to bring copies of:

• Documents that will "prove" your authority, such as a will or living trust document that names you as the personal...
• Will or trust documents
• Deeds to all real property
• Life insurance policies
• Prior gift tax returns, if any
• Documents related to applications for public...

Full Answer

What documents do I need to bring to a lawyer?

Jul 23, 2019 · Contact information of other advisors: Whether you use the services of a financial advisor, an accountant or CPA, or an insurance agent, be sure to bring in their contact information so that the estate planning attorney has a point of contact for each aspect of your estate plan. Estate planning is a collaborative effort, with each advisor ...

What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?

Consequently, you need to bring copies of any and all paperwork related to your assets to your lawyer visit. Common assets people leave to others in their will include the following: Deeds to any and all real estate; The titles of any vehicles; Checking account statements; Savings account statements; Money market account statements; Stocks; Bonds

What documents do I need to prepare for an estate plan?

May 18, 2011 · A written list of your questions or concerns. 2. Your up to date financial statement, if you have one. 3. Your most recent bank, investment, and retirement account statements. 4. The deed to your house. 5. Your previous estate planning documents.

What does a probate attorney need to know about an estate?

Mar 29, 2019 · Bring copies of your current estate plan documents If you have previously executed a Will, Trust, Durable Power of Attorney, and/or Advance Health Care Directive, don’t forget to bring them with you to your appointment.

How do I prepare for an estate planning appointment?

How To Prepare for Your First Estate Planning AppointmentFill out your attorney's intake questionnaire. ... Gather your financial documents. ... Bring copies of your current estate plan documents. ... Divorce agreements, premarital agreements, and other relevant contracts. ... Choose your executors and health care agents.More items...•Mar 29, 2019

What should I bring to an estate planner?

Estate planning checklistLast will and testament. ... Revocable living trust. ... Beneficiary designations. ... Advance healthcare directive (AHCD) / living will. ... Financial power of attorney (POA) ... Insurance policies and financial information. ... Proof of identity documents. ... Titles and property deeds.More items...•Oct 12, 2021

How do I prepare for a consultation?

Use our easy to follow Will preparation checklist to get started....Lay out Your Assets & Think About Final Wishes. ... Consider Your Digital Assets. ... Gather Documents Needed for Will Preparation. ... Choose Your Executor & Beneficiaries. ... Nominate Guardians. ... Sign Your Will. ... Store Your Will. ... Update or Amend Your Will.

How do I prepare my estate?

Estate Planning: 11 Things to Do Before You DieGather Important Documents and Contact Information. ... Execute a Last Will and Testament. ... Complete a Living Will or Advance Directive. ... Put in Place a Power of Attorney. ... Establish a Living Trust. ... Update Your Beneficiaries. ... Secure Your Digital Assets. ... Plan Final Arrangements.More items...

What are the 5 components of estate planning?

A good estate plan is comprised of five key elements: Will, Trust(s), Power of Attorney, Health Care or Medical Directive and Beneficiary Designation. A will is a legally binding document that directs who will receive your property and assets after your death.Nov 8, 2017

What should be in a death folder?

Here are some examples of documentation that could be included in your in case of death file:Will.Living trust.Power of attorney.Life insurance policy.Birth certificate.Marriage license.Bank and credit card accounts.Loan documents.More items...

What assets to include in a will?

Here are some examples of assets that you should include in your will, along with who you may consider leaving them to.Money That Should be Used to Pay Outstanding Debts. ... Real Estate, Including Your Primary House. ... Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds. ... Business Ownership and Assets. ... Cash. ... Other Physical Possessions.More items...•May 27, 2021

What documents are needed for end of life?

9 End of Life Documents Everyone NeedsDNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order. ... Last Will and Testament. ... Living Trust. ... Financial Power of Attorney. ... Medical Power of Attorney. ... Organ and Tissue Donation. ... Funeral Plan and Obituary. ... Personal and Financial Records.More items...•Jun 2, 2020

How do you avoid probate?

How can you avoid probate?Have a small estate. Most states set an exemption level for probate, offering at least an expedited process for what is deemed a small estate. ... Give away your assets while you're alive. ... Establish a living trust. ... Make accounts payable on death. ... Own property jointly.

How do you prepare for a loved one's death?

Preparing for the Death of a Loved OneConfronting the reality. Confronting the difficult reality, that this person is dying, is the first step you can take to supporting them. ... Be present. ... Listen. ... Learn about their condition. ... Offer practical help. ... Realise your limits. ... Get support.Feb 9, 2017

Under what type of will does everything pass to your spouse?

As a community property state, California law presumes all the property you or your spouse acquire during your marriage to be marital property, regardless of how it is titled. ... And if your spouse died without a will, you will automatically inherit all community property, including the home.

What is the most important part of a will?

However, Wills typically contain the following: The testator's full legal name, marital status, and information about children, if any. A section stating how estate assets should be distributed. The name of a guardian, if the testator has minor children.

What is an estate planning questionnaire?

The purpose of that questionnaire is to provide a general understanding of your family and financial situation to your attorney so that they can best advise you on your estate planning needs. It is designed to make the most efficient use of your time with your estate planning lawyer (and your money), so don’t waste it having them fill out the names of your family members, addresses and contact numbers.

How long does it take to get an estate plan signed?

If you provide your estate planning attorney with all your information on Day One, and stick to the process they lay out for you, it shouldn’t take them more than a few weeks to complete your documents and have them ready for you to sign.

What is an insurance binder?

An insurance binder is typically a one-page document that lists the owner of the policy, the policy number, and the death benefit.

What should an estate plan comply with?

Your estate plan should comply with any divorce and premarital agreements. It should also abide by the terms of any other contract you may have signed promising to leave assets to someone in your will.

Contact the Denver Estate & Probate Attorneys at Phillips & Blow, PC

When you are ready to learn more about your best options for settling an estate, you can turn to the Denver estate planning attorneys at Phillips & Blow, PC.

Contact Us

We can discuss your estate planning needs and different options during our consultation. To schedule this meeting, call us at (303) 741-2400 or email us using the contact form at the top of this page.

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Gather Important Documents

Ask your lawyer what documents you should bring to the first meeting. There are several items that will help the probate attorney better understand the estate. These include:

Make a List of Questions to Ask the Probate Attorney

Meeting with a probate lawyer can be overwhelming and it's easy to forget things during the meeting. Whether it's your first meeting with the probate attorney or your fifth, it helps to bring a list of written questions to each meeting. This ensures you won't forget to address any important topics.