Family-Centered Estate Planning, Wealth Preservation & Elder Law
The Planning Process
Step One: Personal Information Form I begin the estate planning process by welcoming you as a client and asking that you complete a “Personal Information Form”. That Form helps streamline our planning process. It also serves as a “jumping off point” when we meet to get to know each other. Some of the information requested is basic background information, some is financial in nature, and some is about your values and desires for you and your family, both now and in the future. All I ask is that you do your best to complete the Form – I don’t require perfection – we can fill in any blanks and answer any questions at our first meeting.
Step Two: Initial Conference/Design Meeting This is where I begin to learn about you and your loved ones. After we discuss your important family history and your vision for your future, I will then explain some of the most important concepts in estate planning and tax law. At this point in our discussion, I will quote you a flat fee for designing, drafting and implementing the plan that is right for your family. We then together begin to craft an estate plan which is custom designed to meet your unique goals and dreams. Some clients prefer to split this meeting into two meetings: One for the initial conference, and one for design. But most clients prefer to maintain the energy of our discussion and begin the design of their plan immediately.
Step Three: Trust Signing Approximately three weeks following our Design Meeting, you will return to sign your trust documents. Your entire estate plan will be prepared at this time, and I will go through it with you thoroughly, explaining each document and how it works. You will also receive detailed information and assistance "funding" your trust (that is, putting your assets into the trust), to make sure that your plan works as it is designed and intended.
Step Four: Delivery Meeting At this meeting, usually about a week after the trust signing, you will receive your trust binder and discuss any remaining questions you have. You may also take advantage of our complimentary family meeting, where we review and discuss your estate plan with your children or other loved ones, to make sure the important people in your life understand your plan, your expectations, and your desires.
This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered. Glenn Matecun is licensed by the State of Michigan and this website is for Michigan residents only. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting, or specific advice to your situation. IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: Any federal tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended or written to be used, and may not be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any tax-related matters addressed herein.