Your legacy is so much more than the property and assets collected throughout your lifetime.  As Estate Planners, it is important that we understand your family dynamics, concerns, hopes, goals, and the values you’ve spent a lifetime nurturing.  Only then can we carefully tailor a plan that truly passes on your legacy.

So the very first step we take, before drafting any documents, is an initial interview.  When scheduling your meeting we ask that you let our staff know whether you would prefer a remote meeting (via Zoom) or by phone.   Please also let them know if there are any emergency circumstances that would require immediate attention.

In preparation for your meeting, please write down any questions you may have so our experienced attorneys can help resolve those concerns.  Also, please begin compiling your financial information, that would assist in preparing your plan.  This would include:

• Any Real Estate Records – including but not limited to any property deeds; Securities Accounts; Contracts for Deeds; Securities; Checking, Savings, and other Cash Accounts; Savings Certificates, Bonds, T-Bills; Promissory Notes; Judgments; Life Insurance Policies; Business Interests (whether partnership, LLC, Corporation, etc.); IRAs; Safe Deposit Boxes; Personal Property of Value (Collections, Antiques, Equipment, Vehicles); and Intellectual Property.

Rest assured that our office maintains the strictest security protocols with any confidential or sensitive information we might receive, and cannot divulge such information to anyone without your express permission.

After meeting with your attorney, your documents will be drafted.  Our Estate Planning attorneys, absent exigent circumstances, will attempt to provide you draft documents within five (5) business days of receiving your information.  This timeline can change depending on the complexities of the plan, and the number of assets or beneficiaries involved.

We can provide your drafts by mail, email, or you can pick them up at our office.

THIS IS PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP.

Your attorney will want to confirm a couple very important things: (1) that you understood your estate plan; and (2) that your estate plan conforms, 100%, to your wishes.  So during your review, we ask that you again write down any questions or concerns you may have.  We also ask that you carefully edit the document so that it fully accomplishes your wishes.  This may take you days, weeks, or months – and that is okay. We understand these decisions can be difficult and emotional.

Please know, that we are happy to work through this process with you.  No question is silly and every concern deserves an answer.  If you need to set another meeting to discuss, we are always available and willing to accommodate.  

Once we have received your edits, we will provide an updated draft plan.  We can repeat that process as many times as necessary until you are happy. 

After your plan is finalized, it is time to execute (or sign) the documents.  This is a  formal process, with certain requirements that must be met.  For example, your plan will generally need to be witnessed and notarized.  Walker Law will provide the necessary personnel to accomplish this and we strive to make everything as comfortable and quick as possible in one of our conference rooms.

Once everything has been signed, our skilled paralegal will make all the necessary copies for your records and will even file all necessary real estate records.  You will leave this final visit with all your original documents and with the confidence that your legacy will pass on efficiently and with care.

Then, should any life events occur that might change your wishes or goals, we are happy to schedule a meeting to discuss any updates, revisions, or amendments to your plan.  We love catching up with our clients and are grateful you have chosen us to be part of your team.