A primary purpose of properly drafted estate planning documents is to ensure that, at the time of your death, your assets will be distributed the way you want, with the avoidance of hassle, frustrations and expense for the people that you love. Our office performs thorough and detailed estate planning work to assist you in achieving this standard. Our goals:

1. To make sure that your estate planning documents are tailored to your individual circumstances to achieve your goals.

2. To assist you in understanding the estate planning process, so you feel confident about your choices.

This list is designed to help you understand the work our office will be performing as part of your estate planning process:

1. Discussing the estate planning process and your goals with you.
    
2. Reviewing and analyzing your completed estate planning form, by an attorney as well as a paralegal.
    
3. Determining what estate planning documents are appropriate for your individual circumstances, and discussing those recommendations with you.
    
4. Analyzing whether your estate may be taxable, and if so, addressing issues to minimize your tax liability.
    
5. Gathering the names, addresses and dates of birth of all family members, even if they will not receive a distribution from you, in order to simplify the probate process, reduce probate expenses, and potentially limit the possibility of a challenge to your Will.
    
6. Identifying all real property you may have, including providing thorough legal descriptions, to assist you in simplifying the future probate process and reducing probate expenses for your family.
    
7. Identifying your assets that may be distributed outside of the probate process, and discussing these distributions with you as needed to make sure you are knowledgeable and comfortable with your choices.
    
8. Discussing your estate planning decisions with you as needed, including who will be in charge of your estate when you are deceased, who will make decisions for you if you are incapacitated, and who will serve as a guardian for your children.
    
9. Discussing the needs of your children with you, and working with you to maximize their care and protection in the event of your incapacity or death.
    
10. Discussing sensitive issues with you as needed, including the issue of difficult or challenging family members.
     
11. Working to ensure the unique needs of gay and lesbian couples, and unmarried heterosexual couples, are achieved in the estate planning process.
     
12. Allowing you time before your signing appointment to review drafts of all of your estate planning documents, and to discuss these drafts with Stacey Romberg so that all of your questions are answered.
     
13. Making any changes you desire to your estate planning documents prior to your signing appointment.
     
14. Providing follow up instructions to you regarding how to store your estate planning documents and when these documents may potentially require updating.
     
15. Following up with you as you wish regarding any need for changes to your estate planning documents in the future, to make sure the documents meet your needs as your life circumstances change.
     

Any questions? Please contact Stacey's office at inquiry@staceyromberg.com

This overview provides general information and not legal advice or opinions on specific facts.