What we value most about our way of estate planning is the time we can spend with our clients, really getting to know their life stories.
We find that people generally start out by telling us how ordinary their situations are. As we talk to people and learn the details, we see the complexity and subtlety to the creation of their plan. This can only come with real time, face-to-face.
That’s why we start every estate plan with a Legacy Planning Session (LPS).
What is a Legacy Planning Session?
A Legacy Planning Session is the first appointment in our process to making a legacy plan. The appointment generally lasts 90 minutes, and is held in the conference room at our office.
We can accommodate clients who live in different parts of the county, as well.
What do I do to prepare for my Legacy Planning Session?
When you make an appointment with Swan Law, we send you a customized folder with information about our history, process, and pricing. Inside the folder, you’ll also find a workbook. This workbook will help you get organized for your appointment.
Generally, we like you to either scan-and-email your completed workbook, or drop it off at the office a couple of days before your appointment, so we can prepare for the meeting.
Your folder also contains instructions for what to bring to your appointment. The list includes: financial statements, any previous estate planning documents, and contact information for your loved ones.
You’ll also receive an invoice for your LPS, which you can pay in advance or on arrival.
What happens when I arrive at the office?
When you arrive, we’ll meet you and get you settled into the conference room. Either Catherine or Kate will begin by introducing themselves and describing a little bit about how we came to the model of estate planning that we use.
Then, you get to tell us all about the people, pets, and things you love most–everything that will be included in your plan. Don’t worry, we know how to ask the right questions to make sure we have all the information we need.
If I have a Legacy Planning Session, am I obligated to make an estate plan with Swan Law?
This appointment is not binding.
We have a transparent process for determining if our plans are a good match for your situation, and if they are, which plan and which options are the right fit.
This is when we usually talk about the difference between a will and a trust.
If you decide not to make a plan, you’ve still spent a good amount of time sitting down, getting organized, and thinking about future issues. Way to go!
If we decide to move forward together to make your estate plan, we’ll collect the folder you’ve brought with all the necessary statements and contact information. Often, we can scan these papers and return them to you before you even leave the office.
You’ll sign your service agreement and render payment in the way that you prefer (our payment policy is included in your pre-meeting packet, so there are no surprises). We’ll tell you about our 5% Give Back Program, and you may choose to participate–almost everyone does!
What happens after my LPS?
If you have any action items to complete, we’ll follow up with you to make sure we have all the necessary information to make your plan. This is usually something small, like a statement for a particular account or contact information for a specific person.
We’ll also schedule your “signing ceremony” for two or three weeks later, where you’ll return to our office and sign your documents.
After that, you’ll have your very own personalized estate planning binder, and you’ll be able to finally check “estate plan” off your list!
Doesn’t that feel good?
If you’re ready to request your packet and schedule your LPS, call 970-879-1572or email kate@swanlawoffice.com.
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