Wills and Trusts: The Estate Planning Process

Step 1 – Initial consultation  — The estate planning process begins with a free initial telephone consultation. The initial consultation provides an opportunity for us to get to know each other and speak genreally about the type and scope of planning that may benefit you and your family. Call Robert Adler today at 212-843-4059 or 646-946-8327.

Step 2 – Planning stage — Gather information, discuss options for organizing and managing your affairs, and design an estate plan that reflects your wishes and meets your objectives. The number of meetings depends on the complexity of your situation.

Step 3 – Drafting stage — Create the legal documents (wills, trusts, etc.) necessary to implement your plan.

Step 4 — Document Review — Review your draft documents with you and advise you of any additional steps that you need to take to assure your estate plan operates correctly, such as changing beneficiary designations on insurance or retirement benefits, and (where applicable) the funding of trusts. The number of meetings depends on the complexity of your situation.

​Step 5 — Document Execution — Execute (sign) your estate planning documents and assure that all legal formalities are met.