What is the Estate Planning Process at Laurel Law Group?

Diana offers new clients one no charge 20-minute consultation.  In order to prepare a comprehensive estate plan, you must share detailed personal information about your assets, goals, and concerns. Since open dialogue is the key to the Laurel Law process, this initial meeting gives you the chance to determine if you are comfortable sharing this kind of information. A Laurel Law estate plan is formulated after you and Diana examine the possibilities of life.

There are two ways to schedule:

by email: info@laurellaw.net      by phone: 206-745-2044

Step 2  After the initial consultation you and Diana will meet to discuss your concerns and goals, to identify planning considerations, and review your assets and liabilities. Next, Diana will send you a welcome packet which will include some or all of the following:

• Letter of Engagement (this gives us the ability to act as your attorney and sets out our administrative procedures),
• Homework and due dates for everyone on the planning team,
• Resources and contact information to help you with your homework.

Reviewing drafts of estate planning documents is a process Laurel Law has perfected. Once all homework is complete, a set of draft documents will be provided to you for your review. These drafts cycle back and forth with changes and editing until you are satisfied that the documents accurately represent your wishes.  Our review and discussion range from the in-depth, nitty-gritty examination for individuals excited by the details of the plan to a 30,000 foot summary for those who prefer more of an overview. In any case, a review is required to assure that you understand the consequences of implementing the proposed plan. The Laurel Law process concludes with a trip through the ‘what ifs.’  Diana will walk you through some worst-case scenarios and some best-case scenarios to help you understand how your plan will function in each case.

The Laurel Law process concludes with a final review so you have a chance to clarify other steps you need to take to build your legacy.  After you have signed your documents, you’ll be amazed at the weight that is lifted from your shoulders.  We never tire from hearing the sigh of relief that comes when you realize that you have a good solid plan in place.  It is gratifying when clients see that the process empowers and reinvigorates their life.

You can keep your signed originals ( and Laurel Law will keep a copy) or you can have them kept in the Laurel Law safe (and you will have a copy). You will be instructed on how to inform your family of the location of your documents and help them learn when and how to access them. You’ll also get a list the red flags that signal the need for a revision and are encouraged to contact us annually to see if we are aware of any changes in the law which might impact your plan.  Estate plans are best when they remain dynamic. If they are an active part of your life plan, they provide good direction to keep you on course.