As part of the estate planning process, you will be asked to provide information typically by filling out a questionnaire. While every office has a different questionnaire, some elements are universal and the information can seem to pry into very personal aspects of your life. So why does an estate planning attorney ask for that information and do they really need it?
- Names and dates of birth – having the correct spelling of a person’s legal name is important for identification. Some families have familial names which could result in Jr’s, Sr’s, III’s, IV’s, etc., and being able to properly identify which John gets Grandma’s vintage Corvette is important. Birth dates also help clarify and identify family members from other family members. Having all the names of family members also gives your attorney an idea of what your family structure looks like. Is your family blended? Have you raised a grandchild as your own child? Knowing these aspects helps us create the best plan for your family.
- Roles – Executor, Trustee, Agent, Guardian – So many legal terms! While you may not know exactly what each role does or its importance, filling in the person you would trust to act if you are unable to gives us an idea of the people you trust and provides a place for us to start a conversation on the best people to fill these roles ultimately.
- Assets -while we don’t need to know the amount in each account to the penny, knowing what kinds of assets you have (real property, IRA’s, Stocks, credit union accounts, etc.) helps to form your estate plan. IRA’s and qualified retirement accounts require special provisions, while real property in other states will alter the kind of plan recommended. For some people, their net worth means that tax avoidance planning is necessary and a more complex plan needs to be considered.
At Grissom Law, LLC we treat each client’s information with the utmost respect and privacy. Your questionnaire is never shared with anyone else and is securely stored. The information provided is used to provide the best advice and used to draft an estate plan that fits your needs financially and for your family.
Disclaimer
This Blog/Web Site is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and Grissom Law, LLC.