Initial Inquiry

The process begins by submitting a short message through the contact form on this website.

This allows us to learn a little about your situation before scheduling time together. After reviewing your inquiry, we will follow up to arrange a brief introductory phone call.

Starting this way helps ensure that our time together is productive and focused on your specific planning needs.

Introductory Phone Call

We begin with a short introductory call to learn about your situation, answer initial questions, and explain how the estate planning process works.

This call allows us to confirm that we are a good fit to work together and gives you an opportunity to ask any preliminary questions.

If we decide to move forward, you will receive a link to complete a confidential estate planning questionnaire.

Planning Meeting

After reviewing your completed questionnaire, we meet to discuss your family dynamics, assets, and planning goals in greater detail.

• Discuss your family situation and long-term goals
• Review your assets and how they are currently titled
• Identify concerns you want your plan to address
• Explore the estate planning strategies available for your situation

During this meeting, we work together to narrow down the planning approach that is most appropriate for your situation. Once the appropriate plan is selected, we will confirm the scope of representation, sign the representation agreement, and collect the initial deposit (one-half of the planning fee).

Design Meeting

Once we have discussed the available options, we meet again to finalize the design of your estate plan.

During this meeting, we review the proposed structure of your plan and confirm important decisions such as:

• Who will serve as successor trustee
• Who will be your beneficiaries
• The distribution standards for your trusts
• Individuals who will serve in key roles such as agents under your powers of attorney

By the end of this meeting, the structure of your plan will be fully designed so the final documents can be prepared.

Signing Meeting

After your documents are prepared, we meet to review and sign your finalized estate planning documents.

• Walk through the key components of your plan
• Answer any remaining questions
• Ensure the documents are properly executed under Virginia law

The remaining balance of the planning fee is due at this meeting. After the documents are signed and finalized, your estate planning portfolio will be organized and prepared for delivery.

Final Meeting (Implementation & Maintenance)

After your estate planning binder and electronic documents have been delivered, we hold a final meeting to discuss the practical implementation of your plan.

• Address any remaining funding questions
• Review how to organize and maintain your estate planning binder
• Discuss what documents and information should be added to your portfolio
• Review the simple steps you should take each year to keep your plan current

This final step helps ensure your plan remains organized, understandable, and effective over time.