Wills - Initial Client Meeting

WELCOME BACK to the MVP Estate Planning Blog!

Please feel free to ask questions and engage in the discussion. We will not know how to adequately address your needs and concerns unless you provide us with some feedback.

This entry will focus on the initial client meeting – what to expect, what to bring, costs, and timeframes.

Although the Last Will & Testament will be unique to your individualized situation, the initial client meeting and the preparation stages are basically the same for all applicants.

Before determining which estate planning tools would be best suitable for your particular situation, we will need to schedule an initial client meeting to determine and identify (1) your goals; (2) your family situation; (3) your property (real and personal) and (3) your finances.

At the initial client meeting, we will go over very general information, and any specific questions that you may have. You will not need to bring anything with you to this meeting. Also, if applicable at that time I will discuss with you the dual representation agreement, which explains how I, as the Attorney, can represent both you and your spouse with the preparation of your Estate Planning Documents, and how the information that either of you share with me, will be communicated to and shared with the other. We will also discuss the legal agreement and any questions that you may have. Nothing will need to be signed at this time; however, if you do choose to retain our office for your Estate Planning, the dual representation agreement and legal agreement will need to be signed and returned to our office to proceed.

Additionally, at the end of our initial client meeting, I will provide you with a lengthy questionnaire that asks for specific information about your life including your property (real and personal), family, and finances. Please be as specific as possible, in the event that a court does get a hold of your will, we do not want any inconsistencies or unclear statements. Once you have completed the questionnaire, we will schedule another meeting where you will bring your financial documents, deed(s), etc., to our office so that we can review them and plan for the preparation of your Last Will & Testament. Generally, it takes about two (2) weeks time from the time we receive your completed questionnaire and background documents until your will is ready for your first review. We will have another client meeting to review your will, so that we can thoroughly review each provision and make any changes if needed. At the close of that meeting we will schedule for the final drafting and signing, which is when you must bring two witnesses with you to our office to sign your Last Will & Testament.

Our legal fees range from $650.00 to $1200.00 depending upon the complexity of the will provisions. (Wills can be simple containing only disposition of property provisions and a provision naming a Personal Representative, but may include complex provisions regarding the Appointment of a Guardian for minor children, the establishment of a trust, the creation of a Power of Attorney, etc., depending upon your particular situation,) The legal fee is determined based upon the complexity of the provisions and the number of provisions.


Our helpful and capable staff invites you to contact us today to schedule an informative, 30 minute free, initial consultation with an Estate Planning Attorney.


PLEASE LOOK FORWARD TO OUR NEXT BLOG POSTING SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2010 FOCUSING ON ADMINISTERING AN ESTATE.