Welcome to Your Medicaid Planning Journey: Navigating the Legal Landscape with Confidence
Starting Medicaid can feel daunting, but understanding the journey ahead can provide clarity and confidence. At our firm, we break down the process into clear, manageable stages, ensuring you are well-informed and prepared every step of the way. Here's a roadmap of what to expect:
Based upon that information, we can make recommendations regarding what planning should be done. We usually can quote you a flat fee for all of the services at the initial meeting. Most often, our hour and a half meeting will be sufficient, but more complex situations may require a second planning meeting. To move forward to the Drafting Stage, a signed fee agreement and at least one-half of the total fee must be paid.
After both are received, we will schedule your Signing Appointment. Most plans are completed within 3 to 4 weeks from the Planning appointment.
After our initial meeting, we will prepare drafts based on what planning we discussed. You have the opportunity to make any changes or corrections to your documents before they are finalized. As you become familiar with the legal language that is used, feel free to ask any questions to make sure you are comfortable that your wishes are being expressed. You do not need to make an appointment to discuss any changes or questions and you are more than welcome to meet with us prior to execution. We ask that you submit questions, changes, or other supporting information through this portal. If possible, please upload any beneficiary change forms to us so we can fill them out prior to your signing appointment. Your final payment is also due BEFORE you sign your documents at our office. We strictly adhere to this policy.
Once you have communicated any changes and/or corrections, we will finalize your documents and prepare for you to execute. We will arrange two witnesses and a notary who will need to be present. Believe it or not, the actual signing of your estate planning documents is critical and can invalidate your documents if not done correctly. If you do not submit beneficiary change forms prior to your appointment, please do not forget to bring them with you. You should not attempt to fill these out without guidance. An improper designation can negatively effect your retirement plan, result in tax consequences, or have other unfavorable outcomes on your estate. You will leave this appointment with a complete estate plan, tailored to you! We provide you with your original, fully executed documents, a binder, and a flash drive with digital copies of your signed documents loaded on it. We do not store original documents for clients in house, but can help you file your Will with the Register of Wills if you wish. We will also help you with any documents that need to be recorded and notice the required individuals for a small fee.
Congratulations! You have completed your estate plan! Our post-signing letter will provide you with valuable information about your documents and how to store it. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE ORIGINAL WILL NOT BE LOST, DAMAGED, or ALTERED! Your plan will be designed for you in your current life stage. Although it will be valid for the remainder of your life, it is likely your needs and goals will change with time. I recommend that you review your estate plan every few years briefly and make changes if needed. You should do a complete estate plan review and update if you get married or divorced, your wealth significantly changes, when your children have all turned 18 and again at your retirement/when you turn 60. These are suggestions and we would be more than happy to discuss any changes or other concerns you may have at any time after you complete your estate plan.
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