“Okay, so I know I need an estate plan. What’s the process?”
Outlined below is a step-by-step guide on how I work with clients to create an estate plan customized to meet their needs.
- Initial Contact
Reach out to schedule a meeting or ask any questions you may have. Legally, I can’t initiate contact, so once you reach out, I’ll guide you through the next steps and start the process.
- Complete the Estate Planning Questionnaire
Once we connect, I’ll send you a secure online questionnaire. This will gather the essential information needed to tailor your estate plan. Completing it before our first meeting helps us make the best use of your time, allowing me to assess your planning needs in advance.
- First Consultation
In our first meeting (free of charge), we’ll discuss your estate planning goals and address any questions. I’ll explain the different tools such as wills, trusts, and health care directives and how they can fit your specific situation. We’ll go over your beneficiaries, trustees, guardians, and explore important decisions like inheritance terms for your children and family considerations.
- Your Homework
After our initial discussion, you’ll have a few tasks to complete:
- Finalize any key decisions (e.g., selecting a guardian for your children, trustee, executor).
- Provide any missing details, such as full names and addresses of your guardians or beneficiaries.
- Fill out the Health Care Directive form if we haven’t covered it yet, which outlines your health and end-of-life wishes.
- Drafting & Review
Once I have all the necessary details, I’ll begin drafting your estate plan. I’ll send you the drafts for your review, along with notes and questions (if any). This gives you time to ensure everything aligns with your wishes. We can schedule a follow-up call if you need any clarifications before the final signing.
- Final Meeting & Signing
We’ll meet at one of my offices (Edina, Roseville, or Woodbury your choice) for the official signing. I’ll walk you through each document so you fully understand its purpose. With two witnesses present, and after verifying your ID(s), you’ll sign to finalize your estate plan. You’ll receive all originals and copies neatly organized in an Estate Plan Portfolio, and I’ll retain a digital copy for safekeeping.
- Safekeeping & Next Steps
Now that you have your completed estate plan, store it in a safe place, and let your executor or trusted family members know where to find it when the time comes. Keep me informed if anything changes, and you’ll always have peace of mind that your plans are securely in place.
Contact Andy Gregory Law, PLLC To Get Started
If you are ready to start setting up an estate plan, call 612-778-0759 to set up an initial consultation. You can also reach me using my online contact form.
The firm serves Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Bloomington, Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding areas.