The following documents are those most frequently needed to create a comprehensive estate plan. We will work with you in the office to assist you in determining the documents you'll need and help you gather them.
Here is a comprehensive list of what may eventually be needed (please note that nobody brings all of these to a first meeting):
1. Existing Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Patient Advocate Designations (see note below)
2. Most recent income tax return
3. Bank account statements - checking, savings, money market.
4. Business agreements and documents regarding interests in corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships
5. Deeds and land contracts
6. Brokerage account statements
7. List of stocks, bonds,and mutual funds owned (only those not in brokerage account listed in #6)
8. Life insurance policies and annuities contracts
9. Military discharge or separation papers (DD-214)
10. Driver's license and Social Security card
11. Other documents; only as discussed with us prior to first meeting
A note about the "Patient Advocate Designation" -
For those who have estate plan documents created in other states, the Michigan term "patient advocate designation" is often variously referred to as a living will, healthcare proxy, durable power of attorney for healthcare, advanced directive, or similar title.
Call us at (734) 475-2100 for a list of additional documents that may be needed when discussing or applying for long term care public benefits (Medicaid).