Preparing for a Remote Estate-Planning Consultation in California

A remote consultation works best when the attorney and client begin with the same basic facts. You do not need to solve every legal question before the meeting. A short list of goals, existing documents and assets gives the conversation a useful starting point.

Describe the reason for the meeting

Explain whether you are making your first plan, reviewing an older plan, taking over a trust or handling a death. Note any immediate concern, such as an upcoming move, a request from an institution or a court notice. Planning for your own future and administering someone else’s estate require different information.

Locate the current documents

Have your will, trust and amendments, powers of attorney and health care directive available if you have them. Record dates and identify anything missing. For an administration matter, include the governing documents and any filed court papers. Ask the firm how to provide copies securely rather than attaching confidential records to an initial public inquiry.

Prepare an asset overview

List the categories of property involved, such as a home, accounts, insurance or business interests. Note co-owners and beneficiary designations where known. For real property, locate the current deed and identify the state and county. Precise ownership information is more useful than an assumption that everything is already in a trust.

List the people and decisions

Think about the individuals you would choose to handle finances, health care and trust administration. Include alternates. List family circumstances you want the attorney to understand and questions you want answered. For a trust or estate already being administered, identify who is currently acting and what authority or appointment documents exist.

Confirm the practical arrangements

Check the appointment time, how you will join and whether another person should participate. Choose a private place for the discussion. A remote law-office meeting does not automatically replace a court appearance or every signing requirement. Ask what later steps must be completed in person or through a particular procedure.

Codi M. Dada Law Office P.C. is based at 802 Grant Ave in Novato and provides virtual services across California. Explore California coverage or the firm’s estate-planning services before your meeting. The California Courts’ probate guide provides general background for estate matters.