Planning an estate is a thorough and meticulous process. However, when a Raleigh attorney has a detailed plan and system, it will make the process much easier.
When Raleigh locals are overwhelmed with the planning process, they tend not to make a clear and concise plan. At the Thornton Law Firm, I have structured my practice to try to empathize and assist in the planning process. Let’s walk through a few steps that Thorton Law Firm takes to create an estate plan.
4 steps that create the estate planning process at the Thornton Law Firm in Raleigh are:
1. Get to know the family and ask critical questions: Usually, I will set up a time to meet through phone or email, and I’ll send a list of questions that they should discuss before our meeting. For example, who should be the executor of the estate or who will be the guardian of the children? When we meet, we usually go over these questions at the beginning of the consultation.
2. Go through the local probate process: I like to explain the probate process and how it works when someone dies in NC. I reiterate things they need to do or think about. For instance, what they need to do to assure that a trust is funded? I also advise that they should make a list of their assets and liabilities. This makes it easier for their family, executor and guardian.
3. Create a Draft: Once I get the information I need, I usually create the first drafts of their documents within 1-4 days of the consultation. Once the draft is complete, I email them to the clients. I then go back and forth until the documents are correct and to their liking.
4. Schedule a Follow-Up Meeting: Depending on how fast the clients get back to me with their revisions, I like to schedule a follow-up meeting. During this meeting, I can notarize important documents and make confirmations.
I would be happy to make your estate planning process much easier or update a current estate plan. Contact the Thornton Law Firm today to set up a time to discuss further.
