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These days one can pull a “cookie cutter” wills and trusts from the internet or go to the local library with a stack of quarters and photocopy sample documents. Our approach is quite different, namely to focus on helping our clients identify those values that are important to each client and use them to guide decisions made throughout the planning process. The foundation of our planning process is based on the values that each individual client places on 1) financial independence for themselves and their spouse - How much wealth will they need to achieve and maintain full independence for the rest of their lives?; 2) family legacy planning for their descendents; and 3) social capital legacy - will it be in the form of taxes or charitable gifts? The client can choose! To help us learn what your estate planning goals are, we have a one page Estate Planning Objectives Questionnaire that you may complete and bring with you to your initial consultation. Such a process goes well beyond “cookie cutter” approach and may involve such disparate issues as long term care insurance, business succession planning, life insurance, trustee selection and investment management, college funding for children and grandchildren, etc. We do not sell any of these products, nor do we collect commissions or referral fees on them. As a member of Wealth Counsel LLC, we have a nationwide resource and referral network of some 650 experienced estate planning professionals in each of these fields who are an available consultation resource and referral network for each other whenever desired. We strive to focus on discerning each client’s values and translating them into action in preparing their estate plan so that it will reflect what each client values, not just what they own. |
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While all of this information will ultimately be required, there is no need to go an a "treasure hunt" at this point for financial or legal documents, recent income tax returns, stock certificates, beneficiary designation, or insurance policies that are not conveniently available to you. Sometimes we find clients procrastinate in getting their planning done because they cannot locate, or do not have time to locate, all of these documents. Most of these documents will not be needed until we begin the actual funding process - which does not apply to all estate plans and is one of the last steps in the process! You may receive a reminder phone call from our office during the week before your appointment. This is simply to confirm the time and date of the appointment, and to ensure that you are still planning to attend. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please contact us immediately so that we may reschedule our meeting at a mutually convenient time and make your cancelled appointment time available for use by others. |
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#1
-- People #2
-- Property #3
-- Plans |
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These are just a few of the issues to consider when approaching the planning process. They are much more important than the "treasure hunt" for legal documents at this stage. For more information on Trusts and Estates, please read the Maryland Law of Intestate Distributions. |
If
you have not already completed our 
grandchildren if you
have any, perhaps your parents, siblings or other relatives. Beyond
these, however, "Important People" also could include
charities, special causes, colleges or universities, or churches to
which you are committed. For some, "Important People"
could even include pets. Spend some time thinking about the impact
others have had on your life. Make a list and jot notes if you like.
This is where the planning process truly begins.