Our Estate Planning Process
We don’t just create cookie-cutter documents for you and say goodbye. We listen to you while you tell us about your specific situation and needs. Then we create your plan to meet your objectives. We also help you maintain your plan for years to come so it will accomplish what you want it to when you need it.
Step 1: Strategic Planning Session (in-person, by video, or by phone; one hour)
You’ll complete an Estate Planning Worksheet prior to your strategic planning session with Matthew Karr, Esq., which outlines your assets and goals for your estate planning. At this meeting, you’ll discuss your estate planning needs, tell Matt about your unique situation, and ask any questions you have. Matt will answer your questions and recommend options to meet your goals.
Step 2: Signing Engagement Letter & Payment
We’ll ask you to sign an engagement letter and we’ll request an initial retainer payment of 50% of the total fee, which can be paid by credit card or check.
Step 3: Plan Design and Review
We’ll design your plan based on your objectives. We’ll send you a draft copy of your documents and answer any questions you have. We’ll update your documents based on your feedback.
Step 4: Plan Execution
You’ll sign your documents at an in-person signing meeting. Witnesses will sign the documents as well and the papers will be notarized. The remaining 50% of the flat fee will be due on this day (by either credit card or check) as well as any Registry of Deeds recording fees (for putting real estate into a trust).
Step 5: Delivery and Funding Meeting
All final, signed estate planning documents are delivered in a client portfolio. At your option, you’ll meet with our partner financial team who can assist you in continuing to fund your trust with your assets. Alternatively, we’ll work with your chosen advisor or give you specific guidance.
Step 6: Plan Maintenance and Client Care
We believe in building lifelong relationships with every client, so as your life changes (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth, death) and estate laws change, we’ll be there to help ensure that your estate plan meets your needs.
Thank you for involving us in this important part of your lives. We look forward to working with you to create an estate plan that meets your goals and protects you, your family, and your assets for life.
