What Should You Bring When Meeting With An Estate Planning Lawyer?
Planning your estate is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. It can also provide great protection during your lifetime if you ever become incapacitated. When planning your estate, though, it is always recommended that you speak to a Daytona Beach estate planning lawyer. An attorney will advise you of state law, ensure that your documents are properly executed and that ultimately, your wishes are clearly outlined. Below is a list of items to bring with you when you meet with an attorney the first time.
Any Current Estate Planning Documents
You may already have important estate planning documents such as a will, trusts, healthcare directives, or powers of attorney. Even if you only want to update your current documents, having these ready can help an attorney identify your goals, understand your current plan, and give them a starting point.
An Inventory of Property
You will need to plan for all of your property, including your assets as well as your liabilities, such as debt. Some of the most important types of property to include in your inventory are as follows:
- Real estate properties
- Checking and savings accounts
- Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment accounts
- 401 (k)s, IRAs, pensions, and retirement accounts
- Life insurance policy details
- Business interests
- Collectibles, jewelry, art collections, and other personal property of significant value
- Debts such as credit card balances, loans, and mortgages
Beneficiary Details
Bring a list of all the beneficiaries you want to include in your will, trust, or other estate planning documents. Include their names, contact information, and your relationship to them.
Documents Related to Property
Collect any documents related to property you own such as titles to your vehicles, the deeds for any real estate, and other documents related to property of significant value.
Documents Related to Business Interests
If you have an interest in a business, it is important to bring any documentation related to it. This may include an operating agreement, articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, shares certificates, financial statements, and more.
Tax Returns for Previous Years
Bringing your tax returns for the past two or three years can provide an attorney with a broad overview of your financial situation. Even though Florida does not have estate taxes, your tax returns can help an attorney determine if your estate will be subject to federal taxes upon your death.
A List of Questions
You will likely have many questions even before you begin planning your estate. Make sure to write these down and bring the list to the consultation with your attorney. This will ensure that your questions are answered and that you are fully prepared.
Our Estate Planning Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Help
If you are considering planning your estate, do not wait to get the legal help you need. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona beach estate planning lawyer will help you identify your goals, answer all of your questions, and execute your documents properly so they provide the protection you and your family need. Call us today at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0732/0732.html
