Your First Consultation

Most people put off estate planning because they are not sure where to start or what the first meeting will be like. Here is what to expect when you meet with Sarah Simani, Esq.

Booking

Pick a day and time on our online calendar, or call (561) 226-3933, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The first conversation is a 30-minute video meeting on Google Meet, so you can join from home. If you would rather meet in person, ask about a time at our office at 7777 Glades Road, Suite 100, in Boca Raton.

What to have on hand

You do not need to gather everything before we talk. If they are easy to find, these help:

• Any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney or health care documents, including ones signed in another state

• The names and ages of your children and anyone else you want to provide for

• A rough list of what you own: your home and other real estate, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts and life insurance

• Who you might choose to act for you: a guardian for minor children, a trustee or personal representative, and agents for financial and health care decisions

If you would like to organize your thoughts ahead of time, you can fill out our estate planning questionnaire.

What we talk about

The first meeting is about your family and your goals, not paperwork. We will talk about who depends on you, what you own and how it is titled, any concerns such as a child with special needs, a blended family or property in New York, and what you want to happen if you become ill or pass away. You will leave with a clear sense of whether a will-based plan or a trust-based plan fits your situation and what the next steps would be.

What happens next

1. Engagement. If you decide to move forward, you will receive a written engagement agreement that describes the work.

2. Drafting. We prepare your documents based on what we discussed.

3. Review. We go over the drafts with you, by video or phone, and make any changes.

4. Signing. Florida wills and trusts must be signed with the required witnesses, and many documents are also notarized, so most clients come to the office once for the signing.

5. Funding and follow-up. If you have a trust, we help you make sure the right assets and beneficiary designations point to it, so the plan works the way it should.

Scheduling a consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. To get started, book a consultation online or call (561) 226-3933.