What To Bring To Your Consultation With An Estate Planning Lawyer
Estate planning is one of the most caring things you can do for your loved ones. If you ever become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself, an estate plan can also ensure that your best interests are protected.
Clearly, estate planning is very important but it is not something you should attempt on your own. A St. Petersburg estate planning lawyer can make sure you are aware of state laws and that your documents are properly executed so your wishes are not only very clear, but that they are also fulfilled. Our estate planning lawyer outlines some of the most important items to bring you with during a consultation with any attorney.
Any Current or Previous Estate Planning Documents
If you have any previous versions of estate planning documents, such as a will, it is important to bring these with you, even if you want to draft an entirely new document. If you have current documents that you want to update, such as a healthcare directive, trust, or a power of attorney, you should bring these documents, as well. These documents can give the attorney a starting point and help them understand your goals.
An Inventory of Your Assets
It is important to take all of your property into account when estate planning, including your liabilities as well as your assets. Your inventory should list all of your property but some of the most important types include:
- Bank accounts
- Real estate properties
- Retirement accounts such as pensions, IRAs, and 401 (k)s
- Investment accounts, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds
- Business interests
- Details of life insurance policies
- Collectibles such as art and jewelry collections
- Other personal property of substantial value
- Debts such as mortgages, loans, and credit card balances
Documents Related to Your Assets
In addition to an inventory of your property, it is also important to bring any documentation related to your assets. This may include the deeds for real estate, titles to your vehicles, banking statements, and other documents providing additional details about the property.
Beneficiary Information
It is also important to bring all of the details of the beneficiaries you want to include in your plan. List their names, phone numbers, addresses, and their relationship to you.
Previous Tax Returns
Your tax returns are a great source of information for your estate planning lawyer, as it can provide them with a detailed overview of your financial situation. Additionally, your previous tax returns can help a lawyer determine if your estate will be subject to federal taxes after you pass away. It is recommended that you bring at least your previous two to three years of tax returns.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Estate Planning Lawyer in St. Petersburg Today
If you are thinking about estate planning, do not wait to contact our experienced St. Petersburg estate planning lawyer. At Legacy Protection Lawyers, LLP, we can answer your questions, help you identify your goals, and create the documents you need to achieve them. Call us now at 727-471-5868 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0732/0732.html
