We strive to make the estate planning process as smooth, clear, and stress-free as possible.

Below is an overview of how to prepare and what you can expect when you decide to work with us.

Step 1: Initial Contact & Consultation

However you hear about us, we look forward to connecting with you.

We begin with a brief consultation (with you and your partner, if applicable) to discuss your goals and what type of estate planning support you are looking for.

This may include one or more of the following:

• A Will

• Power of Attorney for Property

• Power of Attorney for Personal Care

• An Estate Planning Inventory

• A memo to your Estate Trustee with end-of-life wishes and guidance

If you have a spouse, it is often beneficial to coordinate your planning together. We offer a reduced flat fee for couples preparing their plans at the same time.

Information you provide upon our first contact is kept strictly confidential.

Step 2: Intake Form & Retainer Agreement

Once we confirm which documents you need, we will provide:

• An intake form to gather basic information

• A checklist of documents to bring to our first meeting

After you return the intake form (by email or in person), we will confirm that we are able to take on your matter and provide a retainer agreement to begin drafting your estate plan.

Step 3: Your First Planning Meeting

At our first meeting, we will review the information you provided and discuss your wishes in detail.

The purpose of this meeting is to:

• Gather your instructions and review your estate inventory

• Ensure you understand each document and its legal effect

• Confirm that your wishes are voluntary and clearly expressed

• Develop a plan that reflects your goals

As a best practice, we may meet briefly with each partner separately at the beginning of our meeting to confirm instructions privately.

After this meeting, drafting typically takes 2–4 business days.

Step 4: Draft Review

Once your documents are drafted, we will provide them to you for review, along with guidance to help you understand each section.

You may review them on your own time, or we can schedule an additional appointment to go through everything together.

This is your opportunity to request any changes or clarifications before signing.

Step 5: Signing Appointment

Once you are satisfied with the final documents, we will schedule a signing appointment.

At this meeting, we will:

• Review the documents one final time

• Make any last-minute adjustments if needed

• Arrange for proper signing and witnessing

• Process payment for our services

We provide the required witness. You may be asked to initial each page as a best practice.

Step 6: Final Documents & Closing the File

After signing, you will receive:

• Your original estate planning documents

• A final reporting letter and receipt

• Guidance on storing your documents safely

• Notes on when to review and update your plan

We do not store original documents, but we retain a copy for our records.

With this, your estate plan will be complete and up to date. After this, most clients should expect to review their estate plan every 2-3  years or after major life events such as marriage, separation, a new child, or the purchase of a home.