People often ask me what they need to have ready when they talk to me for the first time. Do they need to know who will be the guardian for their minor child by the time we speak? Do they need to know who they want to help them make decisions? No!

When I meet with a client for the first time, we spend the time talking about your goals and about California estate planning in general. I ask a lot of questions that help guide you; I answer questions that help you make the decisions.

As an attorney, I see things a little differently. I’m thinking about how trusts are structured, how the legal system works, how your life and your goals play out in the larger context. There is no way for you to prepare for all of that! So, you absolutely can come to your meeting without having spent one minute thinking about estate planning! My job is to help you think about it and to make sure that you are thinking about the right things.

I also don’t expect that you will know the answers by the end of our meeting! But hopefully by the end of our initial meeting, you have the information you need to start thinking about who and what you would like to happen if you are incapacitated or when you die.

All that said, most attorneys (myself included) have an intake form that gives some basic information and helps me start the conversation and know some of the parameters in your life.

But to meet with me, come unprepared! That’s totally fine. Contact me for a complimentary consultation.