Getting Started

Here is a general outline of the steps involved in working with us to complete your custom estate plan: 

STEP #1.  Call me to make an appointment for your initial consultation.  The initial consultation tends to be more effective when you prepare an Estate Questionnaire, which you can link to at the bottom of this page.  Also, click here to obtain a list of documents that you should bring to the initial consultation.  
 
STEP #2.   Attend the initial consultation.  The initial consultation is a time for me to learn about you, and to inform you of your estate planning options.  I will also inform you of the flat-rate fees for each option.  The cost for an initial consultation is $200, which is subtracted from the total flat-rate fee if you decide to work with us.  We invite you to review our flat-rate fee schedule.     
 
STEP #3.   Leave the initial consultation and think about what was said during the consultation.  If you decide that you would like me to handle your estate planning, call me and I will prepare an engagement agreement that specifies the services that I will provide and the applicable flat-rate fee.
 
STEP #4.   Sign the engagement agreement and return it to me along with a check to cover the flat-rate fee for services.  Also, provide me a completed Estate Planning Information Questionnaire.  I will provide you the Questionnaire at the initial consultation.  The Questionnaire can also be filled out on-line through the link at the bottom of this Web page.
 
STEP #5.   After I receive the items listed in Step #4, I will begin working on the first drafts of your custom estate planning documents.
 
STEP #6.   I will complete the first drafts of your custom documents and send them to you for your review.  You will receive your first drafts approximately 7-10 days after I receive the items listed in Step #4.
 
STEP #7.  Spend a few days reviewing your first drafts.  After you have reviewed the first drafts, call or e-mail me to set up a time to meet to discuss questions you have and/or changes you want made.  During this meeting we will schedule a time to sign your final documents.
 
STEP #8.  I will prepare your final estate planning documents.

STEP #9.  Attend the signing ceremony at my office, which takes about 45 minutes.  Depending on your particular circumstances, I will provide you specific directions for wrapping up the planning process.  You will leave the signing meeting with very clear directions for wrapping up any outstanding matters.