10 Steps to Peace of Mind

A private in-depth conversation with an estate planning attorney to discuss your goals and priorities, and get your questions answered. Our attorney will help you design a plan that’s right for you. You’ll leave this meeting with a “Homework List” of items to gather as we begin drafting your documents.

Usually this includes copies of items from your Homework List (such as deeds and bank statements) and any missing details such as birthdates and addresses. We’re happy to receive your information as it becomes available. Items may be dropped off at our office or sent via mail, fax, or our secure Client Portal; whichever is most convenient for you. 

Shortly after engaging our firm, we’ll provide you with a “Summary of Terms” which outlines the pertinent details of your estate planning documents. This first draft will include blank lines for any missing information. Your Summary of Terms may be delivered to you electronically via our Client Portal, or as paper copies through the mail, or both; whichever you prefer.

As you review the initial drafts, additional questions may come to mind or you may wish to make a few changes after giving your plan some more thought. No problem. Your assigned paralegal will follow up with you, receive your updates, answer questions, and maintain communication to keep your project moving along, bringing your attorney in as needed.

After you have approved your final drafts and provided any necessary documents and information, it is time to schedule your signing appointment. We may ask you to complete a “signing readiness form” which helps ensure a successful signing experience. 

Your attorney will review your finalized documents with you and gather your signatures. If you have a Trust, this will include the documents necessary for transferring your assets to the Trust. All documents will be properly witnessed and notarized in compliance with California law. Alternatively, if you are not able to come to our office, we can ship the documents to you with detailed signing instructions. 

If you’ve chosen a Trust-based plan, we typically handle all real property transfers to your Trust and will provide you with detailed instructions (verbal and written) and a “to-do list” for completing the remaining transfers, such as bank and investment accounts. Your paralegal will follow up to make sure everything transfers properly.

You will receive your signed estate planning documents in a protective pouch for safekeeping, along with a flash drive containing digital copies. If you’d like, we can also store digital copies of your documents on our Client Portal at no extra cost, making this important information accessible to you anytime, anywhere. 

We will provide additional copies of your Advance Health Care Directive and HIPAA documents (if these were included in your plan) and remind you to deliver them to your primary care provider. You may make copies for additional medical providers, or for your designated agents to have on hand in case of emergency. 

Congratulations! Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and peace of mind that comes with having your future affairs in order. Going forward, if there is a change of address or phone number for you or any of your designated agents, trustees, and executors, just give us a call or send us a note and we will update our records. If you have a Trust-based plan, you may also take advantage of a complimentary 1-hour estate plan review and consultation with your attorney every three years. Keep in touch!