Estate Planning Made Easy: 3 Simple Steps

Because it requires you to think critically about end-of-life decisions, estate planning often seems like a daunting prospect. None of us want to think about our eventual deaths. Unfortunately, none of us will live forever - it is important that we organize our affairs and build estate plans to ensure that our wishes will be met once we are no longer present.

At our Lake of the Ozarks law firm, we dedicate a significant portion of our practice to estate planning. In order to easily guide our clients through their end-of-life decisions, we have condensed the process into three simple but comprehensive steps. Here is a quick overview of how we handle estate planning at the Lake of the Ozarks.

 Step 1:  Initial Meeting

 The first step is to meet with you to discuss your end-of-life wishes. We will ask various questions and guide you through certain topics to help you decide how and to whom you would like your assets to be distributed upon your passing. Some of the topics you will need to consider may include:
  • Who do you wish to care for your minor children?
  • If you have a business, will it be sold, closed, or passed directly to an heir? If passed directly, who shall receive it?
  • Who shall inherit your house, car, boat, etc?
  • Do you wish for your children to receive access to your estate immediately, or would you prefer they wait until they reach a certain age?
  • Do you wish to be an organ donor?
  • Who would you like to make decisions for you in the event that you become incapacitated?

While this list provides a few examples of the types of topics we will need to discuss, it is by no means comprehensive. Our Lake of the Ozarks estate planning attorney will ask different questions designed to help you evaluate your specific situation. Because of the vast amount of information that must be covered in this meeting, step one is often the most time-intensive.

Step 2:  Review Period

After the initial conversation, our team will put together the various documents required to complete your customized estate plan. We will then enter into a review period, where we finalize documents and carefully answer any questions you may have. We will dedicate significant time to making sure you fully understand what each of your documents say so that you can be comfortable with the contents of each.

Step 3:  Signing Ceremony

Finally, we will conduct a signing ceremony to complete the process. The signing ceremony takes place in a private environment with two witnesses and a notary. When you leave our center, you will have your original documents in hand. For your ease of access, we offer to send you electronic copies as well.

It's That Simple

Estate planning may seem like an intimidating prospect, but by following these three steps, the process can actually become quite simple. 

We understand that discussing end-of-life decisions can be a delicate and sensitive matter. Our goal is to provide a safe, private environment that is conducive to having these sometimes challenging conversations. 

If traveling to our law firm in Osage Beach MO is difficult, we may be able to come to you. We may also be able to have some of our conversations over the phone so that only one in-person meeting is required.

If you would like to learn more about our estate planning services at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website at www.ODonnellLawCenter.com or call us at 573-552-0317 to schedule your private consultation. 

We Carry Your Burden ~ You Carry On With Life.

Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising.

Phone: (573) 552-0317

O'Donnell Law Center, LLC
1026 Palisades Blvd. Suite 3

Osage Beach, MO  65065
Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA

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