Becoming a client
Before your first meeting, it helps to think about three things: the important People in your life, your Property, and your Plans. This is where the planning process truly begins.
Your first step
You don’t need documents or exact numbers yet. A few notes on each of these will make your first meeting more productive.
The first P
Who are the important people in your life? Beginning with yourself, they likely include your loved ones: your spouse if you are married, children and grandchildren if you have any, and perhaps your parents, siblings, or other relatives.
Beyond these, “important people” could also include charities, special causes, colleges or universities, or churches to which you are committed. For some, they could even include pets.
Spend some time thinking about the impact others have had on your life. Make a list and jot notes if you like.
The second P
By property, we mean your assets in general. Make a list of the assets you own or control. At this point, you do not need policy numbers or exact dollar values. Instead, think through:
Be sure to include often-overlooked assets like life insurance (the death benefit, not the cash value), business interests, and any inheritance you may expect to receive.
The third P
After identifying the important people in your life and your property, consider the plans you would make for those people (including yourself) and that property if you become incapacitated or pass away. Check the questions you’d like to talk about:
These are just a few of the issues to consider. They are much more important than the “treasure hunt” for legal documents at this stage.
1
Call (515) 727-0986 or request a consultation online, and choose the office that’s most convenient for you.
2
Before your first meeting, you’ll complete a short questionnaire. It helps you focus on the decisions ahead and makes the meeting more productive.
3
We share our general recommendations and a fee quote, along with a retainer agreement you can sign at the meeting or take home to review.
4
We stay in touch by phone, email, and in person while we gather information, clarify your goals, and talk through options.
5
We take the time to explain each section of your plan and answer your questions. You’ll leave with a complete set of organized, bound documents.
6
We check in periodically, share updates on law changes, and help keep your plan current as life changes.
Getting started
General information only, not legal advice.
Call us at (515) 727-0986 or request a consultation online.
Our offices are open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Central. Meetings with an attorney are by appointment, so please call ahead or request a consultation online.
No. You can meet with an attorney at whichever of our six offices is most convenient.
Free resources
Free masterclass
Short classes on estate planning, long-term care, probate, and trust administration, presented by Pearson Bollman Law attorneys.
Free guide
A free guide to help you organize your information and prepare for a conversation about your plan.
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Bring your notes on the Three P’s to a free initial consultation at any of our six offices.
