At Martin Lawyers, we know from experience that the biggest obstacle keeping people from proper estate planning is the cost. It can be hard to see how estate planning can save money, time, and headaches in the future when there’s a significant price tag in the present. We know how important it is for everyone to have an accurate estate plan, and how costly it is if you don’t have one when you need it. That’s why the estate planning lawyers at Martin Lawyers want to let you in on some secrets that could save money while still allowing you to put necessary procedures in place.
Do Your Research Before You Start Planning
Doing research is a great way to find out about your options when it comes to estate planning. Reading blog posts (like this one), watching YouTube videos, and attending free seminars are all great ways to learn more about estate planning and make better-educated decisions when it comes time to plan. That’s why we share tons of useful articles and information on this blog, and our Facebook. While you’re researching, think about the goals you want to accomplish, as they may impact how much your estate plan will cost.
Settle on a Budget
While you’re doing your research on estate planning, you should also think about your budget. This includes speaking with estate planning attorneys in the Weatherford and Aledo area to see if they work on an hourly or flat fee basis, as well as finding out if they offer complimentary consultations. Here’s one industry secret that may help: even if the attorney does charge a fee for an initial consultation, that fee will usually be credited towards the balance of your bill if you decide to let them help create your estate plan. At Martin Lawyers, we believe everyone should be able to get a quality estate plan from a lawyer they can trust, without breaking the bank. That’s why all our consultations are completely free, we can handle everything over the phone or in person at our Aledo office (by appointment only), and our payment plan program allows you to stay in budget without compromising the coverage of your estate.
Know What – and Who – You Want in Your Estate Plan
Most estate planning lawyers will send an intake form before your initial consultation to gather as much useful information as possible and will also tell you which documents you should bring to your meeting. These documents can include real estate deeds, insurance policies, and bank statements. This will help give you an idea of what types of assets and property you’ll include in your estate plan. In addition, you’ll also want to think of who should be named in your documents and what kind of distributions your beneficiaries will receive. This information will help your attorney thoroughly prepare your estate plan, meaning there’s less chance of having to re-do documents if you change your mind or discover additional financial accounts. At Martin Lawyers, we’ve simplified the process with our quick and easy Estate Planning Intake Questionnaire. The only time you have to come to our office is the day you sign your estate planning documents. That way, you can get an estate plan that fits your needs and is drafted by experienced professionals, without all the hassle of multiple long meetings.
If you have any questions about the estate planning process and what you need to know, or would like to get started estate planning with us, please call (817) 752-3307 for a free consultation.