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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

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You will either need to provide a summary of assets from your financial adviser or complete a form on your assets, liabilities & income. The consultation fee is also due prior to the meeting.

After we meet, you'll receive a Proposal with recommended documents & a fee estimate.

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  1. Let's get your planning done! You'll e-sign an engagement letter confirming the work I will do and the fees. You'll also pay a retainer online so we can get started ASAP.
  2. Next, you'll complete a Family Tree Form, tailored to your unique family constellation.
  3. We'll have a second consultation. We'll discuss who is the best choice for each role in your estate plan (e.g., executor, guardian, health care agent) and finalize your asset distribution plan.

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You'll contact the people you wish to name for each role in your estate plan to confirm they'll accept the responsibility. You'll provide me with their contact information, and any other outstanding information.

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  1. I will draft your estate planning documents to protect you and your family.
  2. You will review the documents and note down any questions or concerns.

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Absolutely! We can meet virtually or in person, or use email or a phone call to answer your questions.

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  1. I will make any necessary edits and obtain your final approval. Then we'll set a date for executing the documents.
  2. I'll guide you through each document's signing, notarizing, and/or witnessing. We can meet in my Manhattan or Long Island office. We can also meet in your home if you provide witnesses.
  3. You'll receive clear instructions on how to maintain original documents. We'll discuss the legal advantage of your attorney retaining the original Will.
  4. You'll receive digital copies of all documents.

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Most of my clients complete the process in about four to six weeks from our preliminary consultation to signing, though it can move faster or slower depending on how quickly you gather asset information, confirm your chosen roles, and return signed forms.

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There's no one-size-fits-all answer. In general, a will directs how assets are distributed and typically goes through probate, while a revocable living trust can let assets pass to beneficiaries without probate. We'll go over which documents make sense during your consultation.

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A Power of Attorney lets someone you trust make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you're ever unable to do so yourself. I include one in most estate plans so you can avoid needing a court-appointed guardian.

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A Health Care Proxy names someone to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to communicate them yourself, while an Advance Directive spells out your wishes about life-sustaining treatment. I include both as standard parts of a comprehensive estate plan.

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Costs vary depending on the complexity of your assets and which documents you need. You'll get a specific fee estimate in your Proposal after our preliminary consultation, so there are no surprises before you commit.

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In general, dying without a will means state intestacy laws — rather than your personal wishes — determine how your assets are distributed. A court would also decide who administers the estate and, if applicable, who becomes guardian of any minor children.

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Yes. Your will can name a guardian to care for your minor children if both parents pass away. We'll talk through this decision together during your second consultation.

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As a general rule of thumb, many people review their estate plan every few years, or sooner after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, or the death of someone named in your plan. We can talk about a timeline that makes sense for you.

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Owning out-of-state property, like a vacation home, can affect how your estate is administered. Let me know about it during your consultation so we can address multi-state property in your plan and help you avoid ancillary probate.

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Yes. Consultations, document reviews, and many signings can all be handled by video. If you'd prefer or need an in-person signing, we can also meet at my Manhattan or Long Island office, or at your home with your own witnesses.

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