Most people think meeting with an estate planning lawyer starts with a quick consultation: you share a little about your family and finances, the lawyer recommends documents like a will, trust, power of attorney, and health care directive, and then you’re quoted a fee.
It sounds straightforward, but this approach can be risky. Why? Because it treats estate planning as a one-size-fits-all checklist rather than a thoughtful process. You may leave with a stack of documents – but without the confidence that your plan will actually work when your family needs it most.
That’s why we don’t offer “initial consultations.” Instead, we begin with something far more valuable: a Life & Legacy Planning® Session.
More Than Just Paperwork
The Life & Legacy Planning Session is designed to do what a standard consultation cannot: help you understand how the law applies to your unique life, guide you through important choices, and give you clarity and confidence in your decisions.
Instead of me telling you what you “need,” I’ll ask the right questions to uncover what matters most to you. For example:
- Who would care for your children – or, if they’re grown, could choosing one child over another cause conflict?
- How important is it to you to keep your family out of court?
- Do you want your affairs kept private if you become incapacitated or after you pass away?
- Who could access your accounts, passwords, or phone if something happened to you?
- What wisdom or guidance would you want to leave behind for your loved ones?
These aren’t just legal details – they’re life decisions. And your answers shape a plan that protects your family, avoids conflict, and carries forward your values.
What Happens in the Session
Your Life & Legacy Planning Session is a working meeting, not a sales pitch. In just a couple of hours, we’ll cover four core areas:
- Understanding how the law applies to you
I’ll explain what would happen to your family and assets if something happened to you today – based on the law as it stands. This gives you a clear picture of the risks and helps you see where planning can make all the difference. - Reviewing your family and financial picture
Together, we’ll look at your loved ones, your assets, and your priorities. You’ll complete an inventory ahead of time so nothing is overlooked. Even if you choose not to move forward with me, this inventory alone prevents the common problem of lost or forgotten assets. - Clarifying your goals
Estate planning isn’t the same for everyone. Some want to protect children’s inheritances, others focus on avoiding court, and some want to preserve privacy. Your plan should reflect your priorities, not a generic template. - Choosing the right plan
Instead of a lawyer saying, “You need a trust, and here’s my fee,” you’ll see your options, how they work, and what they cost. You’ll make an informed decision that fits your values, goals, and budget.
Why It Matters
The difference between a standard consultation and a Life & Legacy Planning Session is simple: one gives you documents, the other gives you understanding, confidence, and peace of mind.
With a Life & Legacy Plan, you’ll leave knowing:
- What would really happen to your loved ones if something happened to you today.
- That your plan reflects your wishes and values.
- That your family won’t be left with confusion, conflict, or unnecessary court battles.
And just as important – you’ll know your plan protects not only your assets, but also the guidance, wisdom, and life lessons that matter most to your family.
Your Next Step
If you’ve been thinking estate planning is just a meeting and a stack of papers, now you know why that approach can fail. What your loved ones truly need is a plan that works – not just documents that sit on a shelf.
That’s what a Life & Legacy Planning Session gives you: clarity about your choices, confidence in your plan, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve done right by the people you love.
If you’re ready to protect your family and your legacy, your next step is simple: schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session. In just a couple of hours, you’ll take the first – and most important – step toward a plan that works when your loved ones need it most.
At Cheever Law, we don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. This will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a no-obligation 15-minute introductory phone call today.