How To Prepare for Meeting a Iowa Estate Planning Lawyer

No one likes to think about it, but one day all of us will pass on. It is an unavoidable reality. With that thought in mind, it is never too early to consider estate planning. For that, you will need a competent lawyer. If you are asking yourself how you should proceed, please read on for more information on how to prepare for a meeting with a skilled Des Moines estate planning lawyer in Iowa.

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What items should you consider prior to meeting with an Iowa estate planning lawyer?

Most likely, your initial meeting with an estate planning attorney will result in some questions you have probably never considered. Nonetheless, there are a number of ways in which you can prepare for a productive estate planning conference. Your aim is to establish a better understanding of your goal and more efficient use of time. To that end, you should consider the following:

Guardians and conservators for minor children: Do not let a court decide who will care for your minor children in the event of your death. Instead, name one or more guardians you can trust.

Trustees, personal representatives and agents under a durable power of attorney: An agent under your power of attorney can manage your assets in the event of your incapacitation and a personal representation could manage your estate after your death. Additionally, a Trustee of your Living Trust can be authorized to deal with all assets owned by the Trust in either eventuality.

Patient advocate designation and living will: Name who can make medical decisions for you if you are unable to.

Personal and all other property: Designate who will receive your tangible personal property, business interests, real estate, etc., if other than a surviving spouse or surviving children.

Distribution to beneficiaries: Detail who will receive what, when they will receive it and how they will receive it.

Pets: Name who will care for your pets and leave any funds in trusts for their ongoing care.

Ultimate takers: Name alternative beneficiaries if none of your intended beneficiaries survive.

Information to gather: List the information that you and your estate planning attorney will need to gather, such as:

Information regarding your assets
Contact information for beneficiaries and fiduciaries
Prior estate planning documents
Other documentation like Operating Agreements, Buy-Sell Agreements for any businesses in which you have interest and divorce papers

As you can see, you have a lot to consider. However, you need not find it intimidating. To learn more about the estate planning process, please meet our team.

How To Prepare for Meeting a Iowa Estate Planning Lawyer

What items should you consider prior to meeting with an Iowa estate planning lawyer?

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