The following information and key documents are helpful to gather before your estate planning meeting:

1. Personal & Family Information

• Full legal names, birthdates, and contact information for you and your spouse/partner

• Names and birthdates of children and other beneficiaries

• Marital status and any prior marriages (including divorce or spousal support obligations)

2. Financial & Asset Information

• Real estate: Property deeds, mortgage information, and home equity details

• Bank accounts: Checking, savings, CDs, and other accounts (include institution names and account types)

• Investments: Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and brokerage accounts

• Retirement accounts: 401(k), IRA, pension plans, or other retirement savings

• Life insurance policies: Policy details, beneficiaries, and coverage amounts

• Business interests: Ownership documents, partnership agreements, and succession plans

• Personal property of significant value: Vehicles, jewelry, art, or collectibles

3. Existing Estate Planning Documents (if applicable)

• Current will or trust documents

• Powers of attorney (financial and healthcare)

• Living will or advance healthcare directive

• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

• Any previous gift or inheritance documents

4. Decision-Making Preferences

• Who will serve as the executor of your will?

• Who will act as your power of attorney for finances and healthcare?

• Guardianship preferences for minor children

• Beneficiary designations and any specific bequests

• Charitable giving intentions (if applicable)

5. Questions & Concerns

• Do you want to avoid probate?

• Are you concerned about estate taxes?

• How do you want healthcare decisions to be handled if you become incapacitated?

• Do you have special considerations, such as a blended family, a child with special needs, or a business?

Revocable trusts are an important estate planning tool but are not necessary in all situations. A good estate planning attorney will consider a variety of factors, including the type of assets, your family information, and potential tax consequences, and will then offer you the pros and cons of various options before making a recommendation.

The typical estate planning process at Prust Legal consists of an initial meeting where we’ll discuss your individual details and the different estate planning options. We’ll then have a follow-up meeting to review and sign your documents. Our goal is to schedule the follow-up meeting about four weeks after your initial consultation to allow time for us to prepare drafts of the documents and to give you time to review those drafts.