Teamwork Approach

A good estate planning attorney recognizes that a client's other professional advisors, such as investment advisors, insurance agents and accountants, are vital members of the "estate planning team". Too often, these advisors do not coordinate their efforts, or even worse, are not aware of the planning that is taking place. This can result in unfunded trusts, erroneous beneficiary designations, and other mistakes which prevent the estate plan from achieving its objectives.

By working together and communicating effectively, we work with our client's advisors to ensure that their estate plans are properly created and implemented. We understand that each of these advisors brings unique skills and knowledge to the process. By coordinating the efforts of the entire team, we ensure that the client obtains the best possible results of the estate planning.

The Estate Planning Team

As an estate planning law firm, when appropriate we work closely with other professional advisors, including Certified Financial Planners, Investment Advisors, Financial Consultants, Insurance Professionals, and Certified Public Accountants. We believe the team approach provides our clients with the most sophisticated, comprehensive, and effective estate planning possible. To that end, we encourage our clients to invite their Professional Advisors into the estate planning process. Once they are we try to keep them informed and involved at all stages of the estate planning process.

Follow-Up

After completing your client's plan, we will enter them into our system. They will be advised if any changes in the law have occurred which impacts the design of their plans. They will also be encouraged to meet with us on a regular basis to update or review their plans, and to assure that it remains properly funded.

Strengthen your Client Relationship

Clients, especially affluent clients, expect far more from their professional advisors. The most successful professional advisors offer their clients much more than standard service. Estate Planning is a great way to give your clients the kind of high-end consultation that will set you apart from your peers. After all, estate planning is an essential part of your clients' financial well-being. The advisor that can proactively recognize their client's estate planning needs and offer solutions has enhanced their client relationship. Your clients will realize and appreciate this added value, and this will result in better client relationships and loyalty. Clients are more inclined to keep working with an advisor who they believe is privy to all aspects of their long-term financial welfare.

Expand Your Practice

When we work with advisors, we recognize that the planning process should not be a one-way street - all of the benefit going to the attorney. When appropriate, we encourage our clients to purchase financial products such as annuities, life insurance policies, disability policies, or long-term care policies through their referring advisor.

During the funding process, we may discover assets or accounts which are not under the advisor's management. We often recommend that these assets be transferred to the advisor as part of the funding of the trust.

Importantly, we often encourage our clients to allow us to draft their trusts in such a manner that the assets remain in trust after their death and for the lifetime of their children and future generations. When these clients die, we are in a position, when appropriate, to recommend that existing accounts continue under the same advisors management.

Our Process

Step One: The Initial Consultation

We offer all prospective clients a complimentary initial consultation. With the client's permission, we will encourage you to attend this initial consultation as well. This meeting could be arranged at your office. If this cannot be arranged, we will seek the clients' permission to discuss their estate planning with you afterward.

During this first meeting, one of our attorneys will spend approximately an hour and a half to two hours with your clients. After listening to your client's needs plans and goals, we will generally make some estate planning recommendations. If the situation is complex, we may ask for a follow up meeting to present a summary and specific recommendations.

After making our recommendations, we will quote a flat fee for design, drafting and implementation of the plans. Your clients then may choose to engage our firm by signing an engagement agreement and making a fifty percent deposit; or they may choose to take some time to reflect before moving ahead.

Step Two: Signing the Documents.

Should your clients choose to engage our firm at this point, a follow up meeting to sign the documents and begin implementation of the plan will be scheduled within two to three weeks. This meeting may be quite lengthy as we will thoroughly explain the planning documents to your clients, and to their family members if present. We also will explain the trust funding process. We will be part of that process, and will provide funding instructions to you and your client to assure that the funding process is completed.

Joint Marketing

We would be happy to meet with you to determine whether you would like to work with our firm. If appropriate, we are available for joint marketing which could include doing presentations for your existing clients, or for prospective clients. We have ideas and presentations to afford you with opportunities to expand your business.

Please contact me to learn more on our firm.