Bolinger Law Firm

Preparing for Your Estate Plan

The goal of your estate planning attorney is to help you fulfill your wishes after you pass. They do so by working with you to put together an estate plan. Here, we will discuss the different information you will need to assemble for them. It may be that you cannot find all of these things immediately. Even so, don’t hesitate to begin the process.

Getting Started

Following is a list of the things you will need. It’s best to make copies of these things, rather than bringing originals to your estate planning attorney.

The things we ask you to document fall into the following categories:

  1. Tangible Assets - A tangible asset is something that you can touch and that has value in money. Cars and houses are examples of tangible assets.
  2. Non-tangible Assets - A non-tangible asset is something that you can’t touch that has value in money (like a bank, retirement or brokerage account).
  3. Debts - This is simply everyone that you owe money to, whether it’s a company or an individual.
  4. Family List - This is a list of your living family members.

Now, we will look at each of these in more detail.

1. Tangible Assets

Make a list of these things and then find statements (or receipts) for each.

  1. Home Purchase Documents – In the packet of paperwork that you received when you purchased our home, one of the papers is called the “Closing Statement”. It is very important because it shows when you purchased the home, the amount you paid and the legal description of the real estate.
  2. Car Titles – If you have boats, motorcycles, or other vehicles, provide those titles as well.
  3. Household Goods – Make a list of your household goods with significant value.  Also, specify if you want a specific person to receive a specific item.
  4. Heavy Equipment – Make a list of your tractors, lawn mowers, large power tools and other expensive items of this nature. Provide receipts and titles if possible.
  5. Other Valuables – Assemble receipts for larger things that you own of value, such as collectibles or artwork. (Don't worry about items with a value of $100.00 or less.)

2. Non-tangible Assets

Make a list of these things and then find statements (or receipts) for each.

  1. Bank Accounts - This is a list of all the bank accounts that you have money in. Provide a bank statement for each if you can.
  2. Bank Accounts Signatories – For each bank account in the list above, name out the signatories for each bank account. If you’re not sure, call the bank and find out. This is very important.
  3. Cryptocurrency – Provide information on any cryptocurrency that you own. That would include Bitcoin, Ethereum or any other similar currency.
  4. 401(k) and IRAs – Provide paperwork for any retirement accounts you have.
  5. Life Insurance Policies – Provide a copy of your life insurance policy.
  6. Memberships - Some memberships have value to them. Provide information on these to your estate planning attorney.

3. List of Debts

This list of debts shouldn’t only be companies that you owe money to. Make a list of all debts public and private. Where possible, provide statements, contracts or other paperwork.

  1. Mortgages – A copy of the mortgage closing document is useful. A current mortgage statement is necessary.
  2. Credit Cards – Provide a current statement for each credit card.
  3. Loans – A copy of the closing document and a copy of a current statement would suffice.
  4. Liens – It is necessary to provide a copy of any lien or judgment against you.
  5. Taxes – A statement from the taxing agency would be best.
  6. Personal Debts – Sometimes these will have a written agreement. Other times, agreements about debts are only verbal. If there is a written agreement, make a copy of that. If it is a verbal agreement, write it down as best you can.

4. Family Tree

What we are looking for are close family members that may have a claim on your estate or may affect it in some way.

  1. Your Marital Partner - This is your current partner in marriage.
  2. Children – This includes your direct children, children through marriage and any adopted children.
  3. Parents – Your parents and your married partner’s parents are included here.
  4. Brothers and Sisters – This includes both your siblings and your married partner’s siblings.
  5. Ex-Marriage Partners – For both you and your married partner, provide all exes.
  6. Grandchildren – This includes grandchildren born to or adopted by your children.

Find as many of the above as you can. Give them to your estate lawyer and you will make the estate planning process that much simpler.

No Time Like the Present

At Bolinger Law Firm, we have estate planning attorneys to help you make your plans a reality. There is no time like the present when it comes to completing your estate plan. Contact us for a  free consultation. We offer our experience and knowledge. Contact us today or call us at (636) 386-8322.

Bolinger Law Firm LLC is located at 14615 Manchester Rd, Ste 203, Manchester, MO 63011. We service St. Louis, Chesterfield, Wildwood, Earth City, Maryland Heights, Ellisville, Ballwin, Manchester and the state of Missouri.

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