Guidelines for Estate Planning Meeting

There are five components to a basic estate plan:

Will: A legal declaration by which a person, the testator, names one or more persons to manage his or her estate and provides for the transfer of his or her property at death.

Living Will: A written document that states a person’s wishes regarding life-support or other medical treatment in certain circumstances, usually when death is imminent.

Power of Attorney: A written authorization for an agent to perform specified acts on behalf of the principal. This may be granted as either a general or a limited power and can be immediately effective or effective upon the happening of an event.

Health Care Surrogate: An adult who is appointed to make healthcare decisions for you when you become unable to make them for yourself.

HIPAA designation: A written document that allows certain designated individuals to have access to your medical records.

What to bring to your conference:

• Copies of your current estate planning documents (if any)
• A general idea of what assets you have:
     The nature of the asset
     The owner of the asset
     The value of the asset
     Any debt that may be owed
• A general idea of what you want to have happen to your assets when you are gone.
• The names, addresses, and relationships of those you intend to leave your assets.
• Who do you want to be “in charge” when you are gone?
• Who do you want to designate to make health care decisions for you when you are unable?
• If you have minor children, who do you want to care for them when you are unable?

Download a complimentary Estate Planning Questionnaire (PDF)
This form will assist you in collecting your documents and information.

Estate Planning Costs

The cost of your Estate Planning is something you should discuss with your attorney.

Generally, the cost for a simple estate plan (eg. Will, Living Will, Health Care Surrogate and Power of Attorney) is approximately $750.00 per person.