How the Estate Planning Process Works

The planning process typically takes 1-2 weeks depending on how fast you want to go. Estate Plans have been made within 24 hours when needed or have taken years to complete.

STEP 1: Complete the Planning Questionnaire. Linked here you will find a webpage with Estate Planning Questionnaires for couples or singles. The questionnaire is only 3 pages and can be completed on your computer or by hand and emailed, faxed or mailed back. Call us if you need help completing the form.
 
STEP 2: Return the Questionnaire. Please complete the questionnaire form before an estate planning consultation. The form allows for an accurate fee estimate and and effective review of your estate planning goals. We review the completed questionnaire with you usually over the phone, sometimes by an optional office appointment. During the review we will outline the proposed fee schedule and structuring of your estate plan. An estimated one-half of expected retainer fee would be collected (by check or credit) to start the work. After the review we will usually send drafts of your documents back to you within five business days or less.

STEP 3: Review the Drafts. Once you receive the drafts, we ask you to read the drafts for corrections, comments and questions. We would make changes to your documents as much as needed (without additional fee) before final drafts are made. Your documents are usually ready for a signing ceremony a day after finalizing the drafts. 

At the time of creating a Will or Trust, we also strongly urge the drafting of related incapacity-preparedness documents for a complete estate plan. Those documents include:
1. Advance Directive for Health Care; (formerly the Living Will) and
2. Financial Power of Attorney.

Sometimes an estate plan is centered on a trust, such as a revocable living trust, is preferred for reasons such as probate privacy, asset protection, special needs, avoiding will contests, and eliminating the need for probate. 

STEP 4: Come In Office and Sign Documents. When the reviews, corrections and all of your questions are answered, the documents will be ready for signature. The Law Firm will host the signing ceremony and within 30 minutes, you will be ready to go with a completed estate plan. 

Thank you again for your interest. If we may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at 678-217-4369 or see the website. 

Very truly yours,

Robert S. Meyring