As we begin to look ahead to 2021, now is a great time to create or revise your estate plan. The new year offers a natural opportunity to evaluate your estate planning goals and your vision for the future. Once you’ve set up a meeting with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney, you may wonder what documents you’ll need to have on hand for this appointment. Whether your meeting occurs in-person or via phone or video conference, you should take some time to locate and compile several pieces of information to ensure that the meeting moves along smoothly and productively. Here are a few tips for getting organized for your upcoming estate planning appointment in Spokane Valley.
Documents You’ll Need to Have Handy During Your Estate Planning Session
In order for you to get the most out of your estate planning meeting, you’ll need a wide array of information and supporting documents. The titling information regarding any financial information for non-retirement assets, such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, treasury notes, and investment accounts, will be highly useful. While it’s not necessary to provide the exact balances and account names, these details can help to provide a more comprehensive picture of your financial situation. You should also provide any retirement savings information, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, Roths, or other retirement-related financial information. Information on life insurance policies, property ownership, inheritances you’ve received, or businesses you own (if applicable) are also necessary to create an estate plan that best suits your needs.
Thinking About Your Healthcare Wishes and Medical Preferences
A key component of a Washington estate plan is an Advance Healthcare Directive, which involves creating a living will and assigning a durable power of attorney for health care. Advance directives allow you to articulate the types of medical treatments or interventions you would wish to receive, should you become unable to verbalize these wishes to your care providers. When you meet with your estate planning attorney, you may be asked to consider certain values, such as whether you wish to receive pain management if you are terminally ill. You should also think about which trusted individual you would like to designate as your power of attorney for healthcare.
Preparing Questions to Ask Your Washington Estate Planning Lawyer
While the estate planning meeting will typically involve your attorney guiding you through your options and helping you complete various forms, this is also a great time for you to ask questions. Estate planning can be an emotional process, as you are asked to think about a future in which you may be incapacitated or, eventually, no longer present. Share your concerns with your estate planning attorney so that they can help you create a customized estate plan that affords you and your loved ones the protection you all need to enjoy a bright and secure future.
Call Legacy Law Group today at (509) 315-8087 to discuss your estate planning goals with a trusted and compassionate Spokane Valley attorney.
