what to bring to a consult with an estate lawyer

What to bring with you to the initial consultation also varies, but most attorneys would like you to bring copies of your current estate plan, if you have one. You might also bring a list of your current assets, and the names, birthdates, and addresses of your loved ones and of anyone you want named as executor, trustee, agent, etc.

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

If you already have estate plan documents in place, it’s recommended those be brought with you the appointment. The attorney can review those documents and answer any questions you may have about why you should obtain new ones. Other uncommon documents that are not mandatory but may be brought to an appointment are real estate deeds, business financials, …

What documents do I need to bring to a lawyer?

Aug 15, 2015 · An Initial Consult with a Probate Attorney: What to Bring & What to Expect? August 15, 2015 Posted In Firm News,Probate. When you are ready to retain a lawyer to help you settle an estate in probate, one of the first steps to take will be meeting with the legal professional for an initial consultation.. To get the most out of this meeting, below is some important info …

What should I look for when hiring an estate planning attorney?

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.

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

Jul 08, 2015 · Ensuring that your heirs and loved ones receive your assets. Helping to reduce or avoid conflicts and confusion. Minimizing legal expenses and taxes. Assessing wealth preservation. These topics ...

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

How to build an estate plan?

When building an estate plan, you may have a variety of concerns, including the following: 1 Maintaining an orderly administration of assets while you are living 2 Managing estate assets flexibly while you are living 3 Reviewing estates involving tenants in common or community property 4 Considering assets in multiple states 5 Examining small business assets 6 Naming your children’s legal guardian 7 Ensuring that your heirs and loved ones receive your assets 8 Helping to reduce or avoid conflicts and confusion 9 Minimizing legal expenses and taxes 10 Assessing wealth preservation

Why is it important to have an estate plan?

It's important to have a solid estate plan in place to ensure that your loved ones receive your assets without a hassle or undue delay after your death. There are many questions you should ask prospective estate-planning attorneys before hiring one to craft your estate plan. Above all, make sure you hire an attorney who demonstrates ...

Can a lawyer draw up a will?

Although any lawyer can draw up a simple will for straightforward situations, such as naming the beneficiary of one's 401 (k), seasoned trust-and-estate lawyers can help navigate more complicated situations involving several trusts and multiple heirs. 1:21.

What information do you need to include in a will?

Further, if you designate a trustee or representative or if you designate a temporary or permanent guardian for your children in your will, you must include their name, address, and other contact information .

How to distribute property in a will?

The entire purpose of a will is to distribute your assets to the people you wish to inherit your property. This is done by first identifying the property you have (referred to as assets) and then designating the people you choose as beneficiaries to inherit these assets. 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: 1 Deeds to any and all real estate 2 The titles of any vehicles 3 Checking account statements 4 Savings account statements 5 Money market account statements 6 Stocks 7 Bonds 8 Retirement accounts 9 Other investments 10 Jewelry 11 Art 12 Timeshares

What is the purpose of a will?

The entire purpose of a will is to distribute your assets to the people you wish to inherit your property. This is done by first identifying the property you have (referred to as assets) and then designating the people you choose as beneficiaries to inherit these assets.

Do you need a list of debts to provide an attorney?

In addition to providing a detailed list of assets in a manner that allows them to be easily identified and located, an individual must provide their attorney with a list of debts. Debts that you should provide documentation of include, but are not limited to, the following:

How to start a relationship with an attorney?

After you decide on which attorney to hire, you’ll sign a fee agreement and officially begin your relationship with your lawyer. The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan. If you think you might get nervous or forget something, you could practice this conversation with a friend, or you could write down what you want to say.

How to save money on legal fees?

To save money on legal fees, take the time to select a good lawyer, prepare well for your first meeting, and do everything you can to reduce the time that lawyer will have to spend on your case . Even eliminating one email exchange could save you hundreds of dollars.

What is the first meeting with an attorney?

The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan.

Do lawyers charge for consultations?

Attorney consultations vary, depending on the attorney’s preferences. Some lawyers charge for a consultation, others don’t. Some will only hold consultations over the phone, but some will let you come in (this is best, so that you can get a better feel for the attorney).

Is it expensive to hire a trust lawyer?

Hiring a trust and estates lawyer is almost always expensive. Learn how to save money by hiring the right lawyer, preparing for your first meeting, and making the most of your lawyer's time.

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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.

What happens if you don't open a probate estate?

If you fail to open a probate estate, you could be liable for taxes and other claims. Even if you do not think a probate estate is necessary, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced estate attorney.

What to expect after a loved one dies?

The days and weeks following the death of a loved one can seem like a blur. The grieving process is difficult enough, but there will also be a funeral to plan, relatives to notify and financial issues to handle . Meeting with an estate attorney as soon as possible can ease your burden and make a difficult time easier to bear.

Is a power of attorney valid after death?

Unfortunately, the power of attorney you may have had in place is no longer valid following the death, and it is important to understand that distinction. A previous power of attorney does not give you the power to handle the estate after the death of your loved one.

Do debts disappear when someone dies?

There is a great deal of confusion about how debts are handled when an individual dies. Some people think that these debts simply disappear when the debtor dies, but that is not always the case. While some debts are forgiven on death, others follow the deceased and become part of the estate. The good news is that the family members ...

Is word of mouth reliable?

With physical newspapers becoming rarer and rarer, you cannot rely on the obituaries to get the word out, and word of mouth may not be as reliable as you would think. It is important to notify everyone you know when a loved one dies. Not only will they want to attend the memorial service, but they may have an interest in the estate as well.

Do you need a death certificate for a funeral?

The death certificate should become available after the funeral process has been completed, and most funeral homes will help loved ones get the documentation they need. If you do not receive a death certificate from the funeral home, you should ask the funeral director for one as soon as possible. You will need a death certificate ...

Is it hard to handle an estate?

The death of a loved one is always hard, but the difficulty of handling the estate can make an already difficult situation that much worse. Dealing with the complexities of the estate, closing the financial affairs of a deceased loved one and handling the taxes due can really put a strain on your emotions.