In order to make appropriate recommendations for the best way to plan your estate and take advantage of maximum tax savings in that planning, we will need to know what you own and how it is titled. To do this, please bring a copy of all warranty deeds to any real estate you own or have held an interest. This document will actually say the words “warranty deed” across the top of the document. You may also have a Quitclaim Deed, Executor’s Deed or Deed of Assent that would be useful to bring. If you have a current tax bill on the real estate, please bring this document as well.

We will also need to know the approximate value of your other assets (bank accounts, stocks, bonds, money market accounts, etc.) and how these accounts are titled. You can bring an actual statement of the accounts. However, if you have a general idea of the value of each account and know how the account is titled, it is not necessary to bring account statements. Also important is the value of your retirement accounts and life insurance policies. We will need to know the face value of any life insurance policies and it may be helpful to know the type of life insurance, ie., term, whole life, etc.

We recognize that doing estate planning is a very easy subject to put off ’till “tomorrow.” Do NOT let the lack of any of this information cause you to delay coming to the first interview we will have together. If necessary, you can gather any information we need between the time we first meet together and when we sign your documents. What is important is that we do get started on this process, and sometimes, it is just that, a process, but you’ve made the first step by either looking at this Web site or making that initial appointment. We look forward to reviewing your particular situation with you and creating the very best plan for you and your family.