Taking Will Planning Instructions and Proper Reporting

A new way of conducting estate planning meetings can protect you from claims by disappointed beneficiaries. Through the use of checklists and visuals, you can:

• Simplify complex ideas
• Record and take instructions for drafting a Will
• Streamline your practice like never before!

This practical program will be presented by senior Wills and Estates lawyers, who will:

• Take you through a simplified methodology for estate planning meetings
• Identify "red flags" in the Will planning retainer
• Share their materials and checklists for immediate use

Program Content:

1. Introduction

(Practice Management, Client Service)

• Finding clients
• Setup of an estates drafting practice
• Marketing ideas

2. Client Intake Procedures

(Client Service, Practice Management)

• Handling initial client contact
• Drafting and using Retainer Agreements (Precedent Provided)

3. Obtaining Information from Clients

(Client Service)

• Use of Questionnaires (Precedent Provided)
• Interviewing clients and raising difficult issues
• Conducting telephone interviews
• Effective note-taking techniques

4. Joint Retainer Issues

(Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Practice Management)

• Discharging professional obligations
• Acting for both spouses
• When to suggest Independent Legal Advice (ILA)
• Handling inter-generational retainers
• Navigating thorny conflict issues

5. Draft Document Reviews with Clients

(Client Service)

• Sending drafts to clients
• Using summaries for clarity
• Discussing and simplifying “legalese”

Presenters

• Jordan Atin
• Ian M. Hull