What Should I Bring to My First Estate Planning Meeting?

Meeting with an attorney to set up an estate plan is one of the best decisions you can make. During your first meeting, you can expect a confidential discussion about your wealth and estate. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and review materials regarding your family and finances. In fact, you’ll get the most out of your consultation if you come prepared with as much information as possible when you attend the meeting.

Consider the following types of records you should bring with you when first meeting with your estate planning lawyer in Florida:

• Property ownership — Bring deeds, mortgages and other documents that show ownership of real property. Additionally, you should make a list of your personal property — cars, collectibles and other physical items. If you have an extensive collection of intangible items — iTunes account, e-book library, video game library, etc. — you should also list these items.
• Financial details — Be sure to bring statements for bank, savings, retirement, annuities, insurance policies and investment accounts. If you own or have partial ownership in a business, bring financial information related to the company.
• Family information — List the names, ages, and dates of birth or death of your immediate family — including your spouse or partner, children, parents, and siblings. If your children are adults, you may also provide information on grandchildren or great grandchildren. In the event that you have a friend who is a non-blood relative and you would like to list him or her as a beneficiary, be sure to list his or her information as well.

You can download an estate planning guide for married persons and an estate planning guide for single persons from the web to help you organize the kind of information you will need. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your loved ones are taken care of after you leave this world. A Tampa, Florida estate planning attorney can help you draft a comprehensive last will, set up a durable power of attorney, avoid probate, and settle will contests and other estate litigation matters.