What to Bring to an Estate Planning Meeting: A Checklist
This week is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. If it finally nudged you to book that appointment, good. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Estate planning attorneys often bill by the hour or quote a flat fee based on how complex your situation is. Either way, the more organized you are when you walk in, the smoother the meeting goes. You spend less time hunting for account numbers and more time on the decisions that matter.
Use this checklist to prepare.
1. Personal and Family Information
Start with the basics. Your attorney will ask for:
- Full legal names and dates of birth for you and your spouse or partner
- Names, ages, and contact details for your children, including stepchildren
- Details of any prior marriages, divorce decrees, or prenuptial agreements
- Anyone with special needs who depends on you
- Grandchildren or others you’d like to include
If your family situation is complex, jot down a simple family tree. It helps more than you’d think.
2. A List of What You Own
You don’t need exact values to the penny. Estimates work. Include:
Real estate
- Your home and any other property
- How each is titled (your name, joint, trust)
- Approximate value and remaining mortgage
Financial accounts
- Checking and savings
- Brokerage and investment accounts
- Certificates of deposit
Retirement accounts
- 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth IRA, pensions
Other assets
- Vehicles
- Business ownership
- Valuable personal items like jewelry, art, or collections
- Digital assets, like cryptocurrency or online businesses
3. A List of What You Owe
Your plan should account for debts too:
- Mortgages and home equity loans
- Car loans
- Credit card balances
- Personal or business loans
4. Insurance Policies
Bring details for:
- Life insurance (policy number, company, death benefit, current beneficiaries)
- Long-term care insurance
- Disability insurance
5. Current Beneficiary Designations
This is a big one. Accounts like life insurance, 401(k)s, and IRAs pass to whoever is named on the beneficiary form, not through your will.
Bring a copy of each designation, or at least a list of who’s named on what. Your attorney will want to make sure these line up with the rest of your plan. It’s one of the most common gaps we see. Our post on beneficiary designation mistakes covers the ones to watch for.
6. Any Existing Estate Documents
If you already have any of these, bring them, even if they’re old:
- Will
- Trust documents
- Power of attorney (financial or healthcare)
- Living will or advance directive
- HIPAA authorization
Old documents show your attorney where you’re starting from and what needs to change.
7. The Decisions You’ll Need to Make
This is where the real work happens. You don’t need final answers, but think about these before you go:
Who will settle your estate? This is your executor. Pick a first choice and a backup.
Who will care for minor children? If you have kids under 18, you’ll want to name a guardian.
Who will make financial decisions if you can’t? This is your agent under a financial power of attorney.
Who will make medical decisions if you can’t? This is your healthcare agent.
Who gets what? Think about how you want your assets divided, and whether any specific items should go to specific people.
Any charitable gifts? If you want to leave something to a cause you care about, bring the organization’s name.
Talk these over with your spouse or partner ahead of time. Disagreements are normal. It’s easier to work through them at the kitchen table than in the attorney’s office.
8. Questions for Your Attorney
Write your questions down before you go. A few worth asking:
- Do I need a trust, or is a will enough for my situation?
- How will my estate avoid or simplify probate in my state?
- How often should I review this plan?
- What’s included in your fee, and what costs extra?
- Where should I keep the signed originals?
If you’re still choosing an attorney, our guide to choosing an elder law attorney walks through what to look for.
Quick Printable Version
Before your meeting, gather:
- Family names, birthdates, and marriage or divorce details
- List of real estate, accounts, and major assets
- List of debts
- Insurance policies
- Beneficiary designations
- Existing estate documents
- Your choices for executor, guardian, and agents
- Your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a first estate planning meeting take?
Often an hour or two, depending on your situation. Being prepared helps keep it focused.
Do I need exact account balances?
No. Estimates are usually fine for planning. Your attorney may ask for statements later.
Should my spouse come to the meeting?
If you’re married, most attorneys prefer that both spouses attend, since your plans usually work together.
What if I don’t have everything on this list?
Bring what you have. Your attorney will tell you what else they need.
Show Up Organized
Orderly Affairs kits give you one organized place for everything on this checklist: accounts, property, insurance, beneficiaries, and legal documents. Gather it once, bring it to your meeting, and keep it current for your family.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney.
About the Author
The Orderly Affairs Team
Orderly Affairs helps families get their important documents in order before they are needed. We are not lawyers or financial advisors. We are people who believe getting organized is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. Everything we write is meant to make a hard topic simple and clear.
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