Putting an estate plan in place is one of the most caring, practical things you can do for the people you love. It brings real peace of mind, and it's simpler than most people expect.
This questionnaire helps us understand your family, your wishes, and what you own, so your time with us is spent on you rather than paperwork. Answer what you can; skip anything that doesn't apply or that you'd rather talk through in person. There are no wrong answers here.
Everything you share is confidential. Please plan to finish in one sitting — your answers aren't saved until you send the form at the end. It takes most people 15–25 minutes.
Let's start with the basics. Names should appear exactly as you'd like them in your documents.
The same few details for your spouse or partner.
Tell us about your children and anyone who depends on you.
ChildrenInclude children from any relationship. Add a row for each.
Child
Other dependentsAnyone else who relies on you for support (a parent, a relative with special needs, etc.).
Dependent
A few family questions
A guardian steps in to raise and care for your children if you can't. You can name more than one choice, in order of preference. Two people may serve together (for example, a married couple).
Which children are minors?
Minor child
Your guardian choicesList them in order of preference.
Guardian choice
Estimates are perfectly fine — round numbers are all we need. Please don't enter full account numbers; a bank or institution name is plenty.
Your home
Other real estateVacation homes, rentals, timeshares, land.
Property
Bank accountsChecking, savings, CDs, money market. No account numbers, please.
Account
Vehicles & valuable personal propertyCars, boats, RVs, jewelry, collections, furnishings.
Item
The remaining categories. Skip anything that doesn't apply.
Investments & brokerageStocks, bonds, mutual funds, brokerage accounts.
Investment
Retirement accounts401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, pension, SEP, deferred comp.
Retirement account
Life insurance & annuities
Policy
Business interests
Business
Digital assets
Expected inheritance
Significant debts help us see the full picture. Estimates are fine.
Mortgages
Mortgage
Other loans & debtsCar loans, credit lines, personal notes, taxes owed.
Debt
A little history so we don't overlook anything. Please bring copies of any existing documents to your appointment.
Do you already have any of these?
Domicile & taxes
Community propertyThis can affect your plan.
Who should receive your estate? Spouses often name each other first, then their children. You can write "same as above" where it applies.
Primary beneficiariesYour first choices, and what share each should receive.
Primary beneficiary
Contingent beneficiariesWho receives a share if a primary beneficiary passes before you.
Contingent beneficiary
If no one named survives
Particular things for particular people — heirlooms, jewelry, artwork, a vehicle — and any gifts to charity.
Gifts to people
Gift
Gifts to charity
Charitable gift
This helps us focus on what you care about. For each, tap how important it is — there's no right answer.
These are the people who will carry out your wishes. It's fine to name the same person for more than one role. Spouses often name each other first.
Personal representative (executor)The person who administers your estate. List up to three, in order.
Personal representative
Successor trusteeIf your plan includes a trust — who manages it after you. Leave blank if unsure.
Trustee
Financial power of attorneyYour agent can act for you financially if you're unable — sign a deed or tax return, pay bills, and so on.
Agent
These choices let the people you trust honor your wishes if you can't speak for yourself. Take your time — and know we'll talk through anything you're unsure about.
Health care surrogateMakes medical decisions for you when you can't. List up to three, in order.
Surrogate
Your wishes
Almost done. A few last details, and space for anything on your mind.
Your professional advisorsSo we can coordinate if helpful.
Advisor
A couple of last things
Here's everything you've shared. Look it over, go Back to change anything, then send it to us. We'll receive it as a Word and PDF document.
Confidential Client Intake
Confidential Client Intake