Tyson Place, Suite 150
2607 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.523.2900
865.523.2770 FAX
hplaw@hpestatelaw.com
Before You Meet with Us
Our intention is to give you an idea of what to expect in the estate planning process, acquaint you with some of the jargon used by estate planners, and assist you in gathering information and thinking about the people and things which are important to you. Feel free to contact us at 865.523.2900 if you would like more information or to set up an appointment. We look forward to meeting your estate planning needs.
The Estate Planning Questionnaire
Holbrook, Peterson & Smith has designed a questionnaire that will provide some of the information required for us to do an effective job in representing you for estate planning services. It encompasses the factors you should consider prior to meeting with your attorney. Please answer questions on this Word document before your first appointment.
After completing the Questionnaire, you should:
Name a guardian for your minor child or children. This may be one of the more difficult aspects of estate planning. The guardian is the person or persons with whom the child or children will live until they reach legal age. You should consider the location of the guardians, their temperaments and values, their ages relative to the children, their willingness to take on the responsibility of additional minor children, and the practicality of such an arrangement given their financial circumstances and size of their residence.
Make a list of all persons, whether family members or otherwise, you wish to benefit. List each person's name, relationship, age and city and state of residence. Further consider what is to happen if that beneficiary is deceased at the time of the property transfer, or any circumstances, such as physical impairments or age restrictions, that would make it difficult for such a person to manage the gift you provide.
Consider any charitable organizations you wish to benefit either during life or following your death. Such gifts may actually help you and your family achieve greater security than if you did not give the gift. Start by considering charities to which you currently contribute, or would like to contribute, including not only those that support causes, but also schools, colleges, hospitals, and other organizations you wish to benefit.
Consider the people or institutions (such as banks or trust institutions) with whom you feel most comfortable carrying out your plan. For example, it is necessary to name an executor to administer your will. If long-term financial arrangements must be made (such as for a minor child or for various tax planning reasons), a trustee may be required.