How Our Estate Planning Process Works
Planning for your death can be stressful and overwhelming. The process can seem so complex and confusing that many people are afraid to start. Searching generic estate planning information online or filling out forms with confusing instructions, does not make the process any easier or less stressful. At Helton Law Firm, we understand that some of the most important planning in life can also be the most intimidating.
Our goal is to make the estate planning process as simple and hassle-free as possible. We believe that the easier the process is, the more likely it will be to get completed. There are no forms to fill out, no documents to gather, and no decisions to be made before we begin. We start with a complimentary initial meeting or phone consultation where we explain the estate planning process in understandable laymen’s terms. All you have to do is show up!
At the first meeting we explain, in understandable terms, all aspects of estate planning such as how wills and trusts work, what happens to minor children, various options for distributions of assets to beneficiaries, and how your business fits into the plan. Next, we focus on the specific needs and plans for your family. No one likes to fill out forms, so we always gather this information conversationally through questions and answers.
Following the initial meeting, our attorneys prepare a draft of your estate planning documents and email them for your review. This gives you a chance to make changes and updates before the documents are finalized. If any additional information is needed, we will communicate with you to make sure we have everything we need to finish your planning.
Another reason we send out drafts of your documents is to give you an opportunity to ask questions about how the documents work, what certain provisions mean, and ask for clarification on any unfamiliar or technical language within the documents. Not only are you entitled to fully understand what the language means, it is very important for you to have a good understanding of how all of the documents work together.
After all documents are finalized, we schedule an appointment to answer any final questions and to sign all the documents in the presence of a notary and witnesses. If a health or physical situation makes it difficult to travel to our office, we’ll coordinate to have our notary and witnesses meet at a location convenient for you. After executing the documents, our attorneys take a few minutes to outline any additional steps necessary to complete your planning, such as updating the beneficiary designations on financial accounts, etc.
After the completion and signing of your estate planning documents, it is important to make updates or changes to your documents as needed. We are always available to assist in this process. Part of our estate planning flat fee includes answering your questions about changes that affect your estate planning. While there may be a fee for drafting amendments or new documents, there is never a charge for answering questions about changes to your estate in the future.
Our goal is to make the estate planning process simple and actionable. Call 918-928-8941 today to set up your complimentary estate planning consultation.