Helping families and their businesses plan for the future

Helping families and their businesses plan for the future

A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting an Estate Plan: From Assessment to Signing

Introduction

In drafting estate documents, a meticulous and thorough approach is essential to ensure that clients’ assets are safeguarded and their wishes clearly articulated. We understand the importance of this process and have developed a streamlined approach to guide clients through the assessment, drafting, and signing of estate documents. The goal is to make things as simple as possible for the client.

Step 1: Zoom Teleconference to Assess Needs

Our journey begins with a virtual meeting in order to understand a client’s unique needs, aspirations, and concerns regarding your estate and any other relevant personal concerns as no two situations are identical. This initial consultation is free of charge.

Step 2: Engagement Letter and Retainer

Following the needs assessment and should the client wish to go forward with the project, we provide clients with a comprehensive engagement letter and retainer agreement. This document outlines the scope of our services, associated fees, and the terms of our engagement. A client’s acceptance of these terms marks the beginning of our collaborative partnership.

Step 3: Family and Assets Questionnaire

To facilitate the drafting process, we supply clients with a Family and Assets Questionnaire. This detailed questionnaire covers various aspects of their personal and financial life and serves as a foundation for drafting the estate plan. Thorough completion of this document allows us to create a customized plan tailored to the client’s specific circumstances.

Step 4: Compile Initial Set of Documents

Armed with the information gathered from the questionnaire, we diligently compile an initial set of estate documents. This includes wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other essential components of a comprehensive estate plan. This can be thought of as an advanced draft.

Step 5: Zoom Teleconference to

Review Initial Documents

Next, we reconvene via Zoom for a thorough review of the initial set of documents. This interactive session provides an opportunity for clients to ask questions, seek clarification, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the plan aligns seamlessly with their financial, medical, and emotional objectives.

Step 6: Correct and Amend

Based on Zoom Teleconference

Building on the feedback received during the Zoom teleconference, we meticulously correct and amend the documents to accurately reflect the client’s preferences. This collaborative approach ensures that the estate plan is a true reflection of the client’s wishes.

Step 7: Email Draft Set to Client

Once the corrections and amendments are complete, we promptly email the client a draft set of estate documents for their review. This step allows the client to thoroughly examine the finalized plan at their own pace and provide any additional feedback, if necessary.

Step 8: In-Person Meeting to

Sign the Documents

Assuming no further edits are necessary, we schedule an in-person meeting for the formal signing of the estate documents. This ensures that all legal requirements are met and provides an opportunity for clients to address any remaining questions or concerns. Although this signing ceremony is simple, Florida law requires strict compliance. Any deviation might, under some circumstances, invalidate the documents.

Step 9: Post Signing Drafting and

Recording of Funding Documents

After the signing ceremony, address the post-signing tasks. This is called “funding” the plan and includes drafting and, where necessary, recording all funding documents. This step ensures that a client’s assets are appropriately titled and aligned with the structure of their estate plan.

Conclusion

We prioritize a client-centric and collaborative approach to estate planning. Our step-by-step process ensures that your unique needs are addressed with precision, resulting in a comprehensive estate plan that provides peace of mind for clients and their loved ones.

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This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. For further inquiry, please feel free to contact me at the email or telephone listed below.