Taking the first step in professional estate planning is a beautiful way to ensure your wishes are followed after you pass away. This may include saving your collection of antiques, directing where you want your money to go, or transferring real estate to your children. If this is your first meeting with an estate lawyer, here's what you can expect.

The initial consultation is the first meeting. This will involve an overview of what you want to accomplish, such as divvying up assets. A lawyer will also discuss the next steps necessary for estate planning. According to Nerd Wallet, the three main steps of estate planning are preparing documents, transferring assets, and establishing a power of attorney.

A professional attorney will discuss your objectives with you. They'll need to know anything in particular that you want to do. For example, if you want to be sure that specific relatives can't contest your will after you pass away, discussing that with your estate lawyer is essential. Your estate attorney will need to know what you want to accomplish.

After discussing your objectives, your lawyer will discuss the various legal tools you have at your disposal. Lawyers will discuss the estate law in your state and how you can ensure your wishes are carried out. They'll also let you know about any technicalities regarding your situation. For example, a sole proprietorship can't be passed on to loved ones as a business. Instead, it usually dissolves when the person passes away.

An estate lawyer will take the time to discuss your assets with you. Creating a personal list of your assets before the initial appointment can be helpful to ensure you remember everything. Assets will include money, stocks, bonds, property, and anything else you have that may be passed on to loved ones.

It's essential to discuss particular circumstances with your attorney. For example, if you have a child who is a minor, consider who will take over guardianship of the child if something were to happen to you. You'll also be able to choose which child receives what, should you have multiple children.

Meeting with a professional lawyer to plan your estate can ensure your family doesn't have to deal with the burden of planning what happens to your assets when you pass away. This can also ensure your wishes are carried out. Contact Latham Moffatt, P.C. Attorneys at Law when you're ready to schedule an appointment.