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How Can I Start Planning My Estate?

A man and woman sitting across from an attorney. The man and woman have papers in their hands and smiles on their faces.
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Determining Where to Begin

Maybe you've decided it's time to begin putting together an estate plan. However, the process may seem incredibly daunting, and you might not know where you should begin. However, there are steps you can take now before you meet with an attorney to formally put your plan together. Read on to learn what you can do today.

Gather Assets

When putting together an estate plan, it is important for people to gather an inventory of their assets. This includes both tangible and intangible assets. Tangible assets can be easily identified and include things like bank accounts, real estate, and stocks. Intangible assets are a bit harder to identify but can be just as valuable. They might include things like intellectual property or a valuable business relationship.

People should gather all of their assets and take an inventory of them before they start putting together their estate plan. This will help them make sure they are taking into account everything they own and ensuring their plan is as comprehensive as possible. Having an accurate picture of your assets is critical when planning for the future.

Determine Beneficiaries

Choosing beneficiaries is an important part of estate planning. You want to make sure that your assets go to the people you choose. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing beneficiaries:

  • Make a list of everyone you would like to inherit your assets and rank them in order of importance.

  • Make sure your beneficiaries are aware of your plans and that they are comfortable with the idea of receiving your assets.

  • Keep in mind that certain assets, like life insurance policies, may have specific beneficiaries designated by the policyholder.

Choose Your Attorney

When choosing an attorney to help with your estate planning, it is important to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. You will be sharing a lot of personal information with your lawyer, so it is important that you feel confident in their abilities.

Some things you may want to consider when choosing an attorney include:

  • Are they experienced in estate planning?

  • Do they have a good reputation?

  • Are they affordable?

  • Will they be available to answer any questions you may have?

Once you have found an attorney you feel comfortable with, be sure to discuss your estate plan with them in detail. They will help you choose the right beneficiaries and create a plan that meets your needs and the needs of your family.


At Pacific Cascade Legal, our team can help you gather all the necessary information to create an estate plan that serves your best interests. Get started with us today by calling us at (888) 981-9511 or by visiting our website.

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