Identify the people involved
List the full legal names and contact information of beneficiaries, personal representatives, trustees, guardians, health-care agents, and financial agents you have selected.
Prepare a general asset list
Gather general information about real estate, financial accounts, business interests, vehicles, insurance, and significant personal property. Avoid sending complete account numbers by ordinary email.
Write down your instructions
Document your own choices about distributions, decision-makers, guardians, and health-care preferences before the preparation appointment.
Get legal advice when needed
Estate planning can involve tax, creditor, probate, and family-law consequences. LawMart does not advise which plan or document is appropriate; consult an attorney for legal recommendations.
Protect your privacy: Do not send Social Security numbers, full financial account numbers, or other highly sensitive information through ordinary email or a website form.