Getting Started
Congratulations! You are now one of the responsible individuals who have decided it’s time to prepare ahead. We do custom estate planning to help individuals like you design their future the way they like. Our motto is “Your Life. Your Legacy.” It’s time to do some Estate Planning Consultation Preparation. To get started, you’re going to need to fill out a questionnaire about your and your estate and return it to our office.
First Step
Submit your forms as an application for legal representation to info@merrillhanson.com or to:
150 E. Meda St., Suite 200, Glendora, CA 91741
Second Step
Begin reviewing and filling out one of the following supplemental questionnaires. Please wait to submit the supplemental form until such time as the attorney has sent you the retainer agreement.
- Married Couple’s Supplemental Estate Planning Questionnaire
- Single’s Supplemental Estate Planning Questionnaire (PDF)
- Married Couple’s Questionnaire on Advance Health Care Directives and Durable Power of Attorney Over Finances – ONLY
- Single’s Questionnaire on Advance Health Care Directives and Durable Power of Attorney Over Finances – ONLY
What to Think About
- Be ready to discuss your family, trusted friends and relatives.
- Think of a list of people you would trust to do the following:
- Be in charge of your health/life if you were very ill and couldn’t do anything.
- Be in charge of your property and personal affairs if you couldn’t.
- Look after your minor children if you couldn’t.
- Think about how and where you would like your wealth to go when you pass away, for example:
- To family, friends, churches, and charities.
- Do you have any special family heirlooms that should go to a specific person?
- What happens if your named beneficiary has already passed away?
- Be prepared to discuss your assets and your total net worth, such as:
- Real Estate: houses, vacation homes, rentals, land, etc.
- Personal Property: jewelry, antiques, art, coins, collections, household furnishings, etc.
- Vehicles: boats, recreational vehicles, trailers, etc.
- Liquid Cash/Bank Accounts: checking, savings, credit unions, other deposits
- Accounts Receivable: tax refunds, unsecured notes, deferred compensation
- Life Insurance policies and annuities (and type)
- Investments: stocks, bonds, secured notes, mutual funds, etc.
- Retirement Accounts: Pensions, IRAs, 401Ks, etc.
- Business Interests: partnerships, privately held companies, etc.
- Be prepared to discuss liabilities/debts (also, if married, whether held jointly or separately).
- Student loans? Taxes? Spousal/child support arrearages?
- Loans: mortgages, secured and unsecured debts, vehicle loan? Credit cards?
- What are your personal values? Do you have religious beliefs and preferences?
- Prepare a list of your concerns and questions about your estate plan. For example:
- How does a trust work?
- What is probate?
—
Originally published July 20, 2018 by Merrill A. Hanson. This is not nor is it intended to be legal advice. Seek out an attorney for your own unique legal situation.
150 E. Meda Ave. Suite 200
Glendora, CA 91741
844-4-A-Legacy
