Estate Planning For Individuals & Families
Estate planning is more than just a a set of legal documents. It is a tool to celebrate life, to celebrate you and your loved ones! It is a process to ensure your values, your story, wishes and legacy are passed on to those you value most. An estate plan provides a roadmap for the journey ahead. It improve transitioning, proper care for self and loved ones, and generate family harmony at life’s unpredictability. In essence, estate planning is a demonstration of love and a gift of security that resonates long after you’ve crafted it.
At its core, estate planning is making a clear plan for what happens to you, your possessions, and your family, both during your life and after you’re gone. Rather than leaving these crucial decisions (e.g., end-of-life care, allocation of your hard-earned assets) to the courts, strangers or for family to agonize over, you can provide clear directions for how you’d like your health, finances, and family cared for. And that’s a beautiful option to have and implement!
At Bartal Law Life & Legacy Planning we go beyond legal expertise; we are here to listen to you, and offer an empathetic approach to estate planning. Our commitment is to make this process not just understandable and simplified as possible, but also a positive and empowering experience for you and your loved ones! From wills and trusts to guardianship and legacy planning, we are here to ensure that your estate plan reflects your own vision for the future.
Estate Planning for All Families
Every Individual and family is distinct, and we believe that your estate plan should reflect that uniqueness. Whether you’re a growing family, just starting out with your first home or child, heading to college, an established a business owner, or heading toward retirement and wish to preserve your assets, we are here to craft a personalized solutions that align with your values, aspirations, and wishes.
No matter your age, wealth, and status you have a lot to pass on to your loved one, and your wishes matter! You do not want your assets (and children) ending up with strangers, through lengthy and costly court processes, or at the hand of immatures unable to handle your assets. You deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have left clear instructions on how your healthy should be handled, and how your assets should be distributed and to whom.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services In New York
Bartal Law Life & Legacy Planning offers a variety of estate planning services in the neighborhoods of New York. Our services include:
- Tailored Estate Plan
- Last Wills & Testaments
- Revocable Living Trust
- Healthcare Directives
- HIPAA Authorization
- Power of Attorney
- Guardianship Designation
- Special Needs Trust
- Medicaid Planning
- Children Protection Planning
- Business Succession Planning
- Non-Citizen Planning
- And more....
Flat Fee & Upfront Pricing
Estate planning is crucial to all individuals and families to have, and with that in mind we created a unique flat-fee pricing for our services!
Considering our costs, we still try to make pricing as possible and accessible to all. After we get to know you and needs we will be able to explain our flat-fee pricing.
So you will be able to choose what fits you best! Before you sign our engagement you will know the investment. And for any future needed additional services down the road, we will discuss a plan and a flat-fee that works for you, without resorting to hourly and overtime billings.
We Make Estate Planning
Simple & Convenient
We understand that estate planning can be a complex endeavor, that is why we try to make it convenient for you with our simplified four-step process. We are here to guide you ever step of the way, explain things in plain language, hear you and customize a plan that fits your unique needs. We will be discussing the costs upfront with you, so there will not be surprises of billable hours. Have a pressing question? You can reach out to me without worrying that it’ll go on your bill. Flat fees actually encourages greater communication and efficiency!
Accessible & Protective
We service only a certain number of clientele per period, which allows us to focus on you and your particular need. And are available to you for questions, you can reach the firm in various means, and we are here to hear you, and plan for your wishes for life and after.
Caring & Meaningful
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I learn more about Daphne Bartal?
Daphne Bartal focuses her law practice exclusively on Estate Planning, and its related work. As a mother to young children with various needs, she believes Estate Planning is a deeply personal matter, and understand that each individual and family has their own unique necessities . Attorney Bartal will help you navigate Estate Planning in plain English, so you can be educated about your options. She is dedicated to assist you in protecting your assets and desires so they will pass on to your intended beneficiaries, and that your final wishes are carried through. All while making the process easy.
Daphne was educated on both the East and West Coasts of the U.S. While attending the University of North Carolina, she graduated from two honors programs, and completed three bachelors degrees in Industrial Engineering, Business and Accounting, and Political Science. She later moved to CA where she attended law school, and focused on her studies on taxation and estates. While working in the Estate, Trusts, and Tax fields post law school, she completed a three-year program earning her Master-in-Law in Taxation.
A frequent speaker at schools, house of worships, businesses, and community centers Daphne enjoys educating individuals, families, business owners, and seniors on the importance of estate planning. She is admitted to practice law in New York, D.C, and California.
In her spare time Daphne enjoys spending time with her children, singing Opera, reading, organizing, hosting guests, and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Follow us on Instagram at: Bartal_Law
How can I learn more about Bartal Law?
Bartal Law P.C. is a boutique women-owned law firm based in Queens, and Long Island New York. The firm services Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island. It also service Nassau and Suffolk counties of Long Island. And are happy to serve clients from the Hudson to other parts of the State of New York, as well as residents of D.C, and California. We prepare comprehensive estate plans for all types of individuals and families. We take a proactive approach in educating you on your option, so your Legacy and wealth can be protected and carried on.
What is our general process?
We have a streamlined, 4-step process designed to allow for counseling and guidance by me and to have your trust and related relevant estate planning documents created and signed in 6-8 weeks.
*The first step is to attend your Peace of Mind Planning Session. At this 1-hour Zoom consult session, you’ll share your needs and questions, and we will go over your initial intake questionnaire response. You will complete this initial intake via a secured online portal, we will provide you your unique link. During the consult session, you will learn all about your options and our flat-fees. If you decide to hire me, the $350.00 fee that you paid when scheduling the Peace-of-Mind-Planning-Session will be deducted from the flat-rate-plan that you choose. Additionally, if you decide to move forward, we’ll email you an Engagement Letter and invoice, both of which can be executed online.
*Next is your Estate Plan Design Meeting. At this 90 plus-minute Zoom meeting we will roll up our sleeves and design your trust and other estate planning documents, working from the information you provided in your Family Legacy Profile. After this session, I’ll draft your plan documents.
* Review zoom meeting will be conducted, or a guided review video will be provided. In the review process we will go over any changes or updates you’d liked to make. When everything is good to go, we will coordinate an in-person Signing Ceremony.
*Your Signing Ceremony is where you will sign your documents with the proper legal formalities, in front of two witnesses and a Notary. We will coordinate on where this signing ceremony will occur, i.e. your home or in an office setting. Following execution of the documents, you will receive a binder with your plan documents to be kept at your secured location. We provide a complimentary 1-3 year review of your plan. And are available to assist you with any future planning, and probate and trust administration needs.
What can I expect from my Peace of Mind Planning Session?
What are the initial steps to get started?
When you are ready to move forward, whether at your Peace of Mind Planning Session, after completing your family intake {“type”:”elementor”,”siteurl”:”https://bartallaw.com/wp-json/”,”elements”:[{“id”:”11d1fdb”,”elType”:”widget”,”isInner”:false,”isLocked”:false,”settings”:{“tabs”:[{“tab_title”:”How can I learn more about Daphne Bartal?”,”tab_content”:”<p>Daphne Bartal focuses her law practice exclusively on Estate Planning, and its related work. As a mother to young children with various needs, she believes Estate Planning is a deeply personal matter, and understand that each individual and family has their own unique necessities . Attorney Bartal will help you navigate Estate Planning in plain English, so you can be educated about your options. She is dedicated to assist you in protecting your assets and desires so they will pass on to your intended beneficiaries, and that your final wishes are carried through. All while making the process easy. </p><p>Daphne was educated on both the East and West Coasts of the U.S. While attending the University of North Carolina, she graduated from two honors programs, and completed three bachelors degrees in Industrial Engineering, Business and Accounting, and Political Science. She later moved to CA where she attended law school. While working in the Estate, Trusts, and Tax fields post law school, she attended a three-year program earning her Master in Law in Taxation.</p><p>A frequent speaker at schools, house of worships, businesses, and community centers Daphne enjoys educating individuals, families, business owners, and seniors on the importance of estate planning. She is admitted to practice law in New York, D.C, and California. </p><p>In her spare time Daphne enjoys spending time with her children, singing Opera, reading, organizing and contributing to communal causes, hosting guests, and appreciate the beauty of nature. </p><p>Follow on IG at: Bartal_Law</p>”,”_id”:”392752e”},{“tab_title”:”How can I learn more about Bartal Law?”,”tab_content”:”<p>Bartal Law P.C. is a boutique women-owned law firm based in Queens, New York. The firm services Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island. It also service Nassau and Suffolk counties of Long Island. And are happy to serve clients from the Hudson to other parts of the State of New York, as well as residents of D.C, and California. We prepare comprehensive estate plans for all types of individuals and families. We take a proactive approach in educating you on your option, so your Legacy and wealth can be protected and carried on.</p>”,”_id”:”e21674b”},{“tab_title”:”What is our general process?”,”tab_content”:”<p>We have a streamlined, 4-step process designed to allow for counseling and guidance by me and to have your trust and related relevant estate planning documents created and signed in 6-8 weeks.</p>\n<p>\n*The first step is to attend your Peace of Mind Planning Session. At this 1-hour Zoom consult session, you’ll share your needs and questions, and we will go over your initial intake questionnaire response. You will complete this initial intake via a secured online portal, we will provide you your unique link. During the consult session, you will learn all about your options and our flat-fees. If you decide to hire me, the $350.00 fee that you paid when scheduling the Peace-of-Mind-Planning-Session will be deducted from the flat-rate-plan that you choose. Additionally, if you decide to move forward, we’ll email you an Engagement Letter and invoice, both of which can be executed online.\n</p>\n<p>\n*Next is your Estate Plan Design Meeting. At this 90 plus-minute Zoom meeting we will roll up our sleeves and design your trust and other estate planning documents, working from the information you provided in your Family Legacy Profile. After this session, I’ll draft your plan documents.</p><p>* Review zoom meeting will be conducted, or a guided review video will be provided. In the review process we will go over any changes or updates you’d liked to make. When everything is good to go, we will coordinate an in-person Signing Ceremony.<br></p>\n<p>\n*Your Signing Ceremony is where you will sign your documents with the proper legal formalities, in front of two witnesses and a Notary. We will coordinate on where this signing ceremony will occur, i.e. your home or in an office setting. Following execution of the documents, you will receive a binder with your plan documents to be kept at your secured location. We provide a complimentary 1-3 year review of your plan. And are available to assist you with any future planning, and probate and trust administration needs. </p>”,”_id”:”8f52438″},{“tab_title”:”What can I expect from my Peace of Mind Planning Session?”,”tab_content”:”An attorney who listens without interrupting and makes sure you fully understand your options before making any decisions! I wouldn’t be doing my job as an attorney otherwise. It’s very important to me that you feel heard and have your questions answered. We’ll also review our process, flat fees, and overall client experience so you know exactly what you are getting and what the investment will be.”,”_id”:”b0e5691″},{“tab_title”:”What are the initial steps to get started?”,”tab_content”:”<p>When you are ready to move forward, whether at your Peace of Mind Planning Session, after completing your family intake quesion or later, let me know. We’ll send you an engagement letter via DocuSign and an invoice via our secured online payment provider, GravityLegal. Once these housekedeping items are taken care of, you’ll schedule your Estate Plan Design Meeting.</p>”,”_id”:”1e5b953″},{“tab_title”:”What kind of information do you need from me?”,”tab_content”:”<p>Let me start by saying what we do NOT need! We do NOT need account statements, social security numbers, or tax returns. We DO need information on what kind of assets you own (house, retirement account, life insurance, etc.), their relative value, and how they are titled (jointly, individually, etc.) Beyond that, we simply need answers to questions about your personal estate planning preferences, including:</p><p>* Who you would want raising your minor children if something happened to you and your spouse or partner</p><p>* Who you want to be in charge of your children’s money until they are old enough to mange it themselves</p><p>* Who you want making medical and financial decisions for you in the event of your incapacity</p><p>Don’t worry if you don’t have the answers to these questions right away! You’ll have plenty of time to think things over throughout the process.</p>”,”_id”:”a117a3c”},{“tab_title”:”What is estate planning?”,”tab_content”:”<p>Estate planning is the process of getting legal documents in place so that your chosen individuals are appointed to take care of you, your children, your assets, and your finances in the event of your death or incapacity. The process also involves naming the people you want to inherit your assets when you are gone. An “estate plan” is a bundle of all the documents needed to accomplish these objectives.</p><p>If you don’t currently have a will or trust, you may think you don’t have an estate plan….but you do. It’s just that the state of Illinois has written it for you! All states have a default plan for your family and assets in the event of your incapacity or death. That’s the plan you have now. Estate planning is “opting out” of the default plan and putting your own wishes in place.</p>”,”_id”:”5ea938a”},{“tab_title”:”How much does estate planning cost?”,”tab_content”:”<p>It depends! Estate planning is not one size fits all, so it’s hard for us to give you a quote without knowing more about you. Even if you believe your situation is relatively simple, there are likely nuances you are not considering. We discuss our fees and process at length in the Peace of Mind Planning Session, after we have counseled you on all your options. We do not discuss our fees outside the Peace of Mind Planning Session.</p><p>We understand that cost is an important factor in choosing an attorney, and that estate planning is a significant investment for many. It is our goal to be as transparent and fair as possible. For that reason, we offer flat fees as opposed to billing by the hour, so you know exactly what your investment will be.</p><p>Finally, we will only recommend planning with us if the amount you would save by doing an estate plan is greater than our fee.</p>”,”_id”:”636bf78″},{“tab_title”:”How long does the process take?”,”tab_content”:”Our process is designed to have your estate planning documents signed within 4-6 weeks of your Peace of Mind Planning Session. It depends in part on your schedule and how long it takes for you to review your draft documents.”,”_id”:”8ef63ec”},{“tab_title”:”Can I sign my documents with DocuSign?”,”tab_content”:”No. Wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents need to be signed with very specific formalities or they will not be considered legally valid. That means signing in person, in front of 2 witnesses. The witnesses are there to confirm you are lucid and not under duress. Any changes you make to your documents in the future will need to be executed with the same legal formalities.”,”_id”:”4f7c820″},{“tab_title”:”What kind of clients do you accept?”,”tab_content”:”We take on a limited clientele each month so we can offer a high level of service to each family. We work with people who value our advice and are seeking a long-term working relationship. If you are looking for the cheapest attorney you can find, do not want to devote time to learning about and understanding your options, or do not feel comfortable completing the Family Profile before our session, we are not the right law firm for you, and would be happy to refer you to a lawyer who may be a better fit.”,”_id”:”9f77fd5″},{“tab_title”:”Why do I need a living trust?”,”tab_content”:”<p>You have two options with your estate planning: a will-based plan, or a living trust-based plan. A living trust is a document where you appoint a chosen individual to manage your assets should you become incapacitated and distribute them to your family at your death. It is almost always preferrable to a will because it is designed to avoid the time, expense, and publicity of probate, which a will cannot avoid.</p><p>It comes as a surprise to many that wills do not avoid probate court…they guarantee it!</p><p>I will go over the difference between a will and a living revocable trust in depth during the Peace of Mind Planning Session and you can decide what is best for you and your loved ones.</p>”,”_id”:”327a18b”}],”selected_icon”:{“value”:”fas fa-plus”,”library”:”fa-solid”},”selected_active_icon”:{“value”:”fas fa-plus”,”library”:”fa-solid”},”space_between”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”title_color”:”#000000″,”tab_active_color”:”#007272″,”title_typography_typography”:”custom”,”title_typography_font_family”:”Montserrat”,”title_typography_font_size”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:18,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_font_weight”:”400″,”title_typography_text_transform”:”none”,”title_typography_font_style”:”normal”,”title_typography_text_decoration”:”none”,”title_typography_line_height”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:30,”sizes”:[]},”icon_align”:”right”,”icon_color”:”#29D5C5″,”icon_active_color”:”#007272″,”content_color”:”#000000″,”content_typography_typography”:”custom”,”content_typography_font_family”:”Montserrat”,”content_typography_font_size”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:16,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_font_weight”:”300″,”content_typography_text_transform”:”none”,”content_typography_font_style”:”normal”,”content_typography_line_height”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:28,”sizes”:[]},”icon_space”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_font_size_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:16,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_line_height_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:29,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_font_size_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:16,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_line_height_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:29,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_font_size_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:20,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_line_height_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:32,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_font_size_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:18,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_line_height_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:29,”sizes”:[]},”content_background_color”:”#FFFFFF”,”border_width”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:1,”sizes”:[]},”space_between_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”icon_space_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”icon_space_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_flex_align_self”:””,”_flex_align_self_tablet”:””,”_flex_align_self_mobile”:””,”_flex_order”:””,”_flex_order_tablet”:””,”_flex_order_mobile”:””,”_flex_order_custom”:””,”_flex_order_custom_tablet”:””,”_flex_order_custom_mobile”:””,”_flex_size”:””,”_flex_size_tablet”:””,”_flex_size_mobile”:””,”_flex_grow”:1,”_flex_grow_tablet”:””,”_flex_grow_mobile”:””,”_flex_shrink”:1,”_flex_shrink_tablet”:””,”_flex_shrink_mobile”:””,”view”:”traditional”,”title_html_tag”:”div”,”faq_schema”:””,”border_color”:””,”space_between_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”space_between_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”box_shadow_box_shadow_type”:””,”box_shadow_box_shadow”:{“horizontal”:0,”vertical”:0,”blur”:10,”spread”:0,”color”:”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)”},”box_shadow_box_shadow_position”:” “,”title_background”:””,”title_typography_font_size_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_line_height_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_letter_spacing”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_letter_spacing_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_letter_spacing_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_letter_spacing_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_word_spacing”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_word_spacing_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_word_spacing_tablet”:{“unit”:”em”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_typography_word_spacing_mobile”:{“unit”:”em”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”title_shadow_text_shadow_type”:””,”title_shadow_text_shadow”:{“horizontal”:0,”vertical”:0,”blur”:10,”color”:”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)”},”title_padding”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”title_padding_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”title_padding_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”title_padding_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”icon_space_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_font_size_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_text_decoration”:””,”content_typography_line_height_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_letter_spacing”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_letter_spacing_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_letter_spacing_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_letter_spacing_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_word_spacing”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_word_spacing_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_word_spacing_tablet”:{“unit”:”em”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_typography_word_spacing_mobile”:{“unit”:”em”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”content_shadow_text_shadow_type”:””,”content_shadow_text_shadow”:{“horizontal”:0,”vertical”:0,”blur”:10,”color”:”rgba(0,0,0,0.3)”},”content_padding”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”content_padding_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”content_padding_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”content_padding_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_title”:””,”_margin”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_margin_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_margin_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_margin_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_padding”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_padding_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_padding_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_padding_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_element_width”:””,”_element_width_laptop”:””,”_element_width_tablet”:””,”_element_width_mobile”:””,”_element_custom_width”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_element_custom_width_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_element_custom_width_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_element_custom_width_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_element_vertical_align”:””,”_element_vertical_align_laptop”:””,”_element_vertical_align_tablet”:””,”_element_vertical_align_mobile”:””,”_position”:””,”_offset_orientation_h”:”start”,”_offset_x”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:”0″,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_x_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_x_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_x_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_x_end”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:”0″,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_x_end_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_x_end_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_x_end_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_orientation_v”:”start”,”_offset_y”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:”0″,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_y_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_y_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_y_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_y_end”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:”0″,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_y_end_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_y_end_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_offset_y_end_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_z_index”:””,”_z_index_laptop”:””,”_z_index_tablet”:””,”_z_index_mobile”:””,”_element_id”:””,”_css_classes”:””,”_animation”:””,”_animation_laptop”:””,”_animation_tablet”:””,”_animation_mobile”:””,”animation_duration”:””,”_animation_delay”:””,”_transform_rotate_popover”:””,”_transform_rotateZ_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateZ_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateZ_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateZ_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotate_3d”:””,”_transform_rotateX_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateX_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateX_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateX_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateY_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateY_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateY_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateY_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_perspective_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_perspective_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_perspective_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_perspective_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translate_popover”:””,”_transform_translateX_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateX_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateX_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateX_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateY_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateY_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateY_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateY_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scale_popover”:””,”_transform_keep_proportions”:”yes”,”_transform_scale_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scale_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scale_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scale_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleX_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleX_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleX_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleX_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleY_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleY_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleY_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleY_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skew_popover”:””,”_transform_skewX_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewX_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewX_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewX_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewY_effect”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewY_effect_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewY_effect_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewY_effect_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_flipX_effect”:””,”_transform_flipY_effect”:””,”_transform_rotate_popover_hover”:””,”_transform_rotateZ_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateZ_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateZ_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateZ_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotate_3d_hover”:””,”_transform_rotateX_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateX_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateX_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateX_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateY_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateY_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateY_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_rotateY_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_perspective_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_perspective_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_perspective_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_perspective_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translate_popover_hover”:””,”_transform_translateX_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateX_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateX_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateX_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateY_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateY_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateY_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_translateY_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scale_popover_hover”:””,”_transform_keep_proportions_hover”:”yes”,”_transform_scale_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scale_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scale_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scale_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleX_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleX_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleX_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleX_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleY_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleY_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleY_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_scaleY_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skew_popover_hover”:””,”_transform_skewX_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewX_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewX_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewX_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewY_effect_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewY_effect_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewY_effect_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_skewY_effect_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_transform_flipX_effect_hover”:””,”_transform_flipY_effect_hover”:””,”_transform_transition_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”motion_fx_transform_x_anchor_point”:””,”motion_fx_transform_x_anchor_point_laptop”:””,”motion_fx_transform_x_anchor_point_tablet”:””,”motion_fx_transform_x_anchor_point_mobile”:””,”motion_fx_transform_y_anchor_point”:””,”motion_fx_transform_y_anchor_point_laptop”:””,”motion_fx_transform_y_anchor_point_tablet”:””,”motion_fx_transform_y_anchor_point_mobile”:””,”_background_background”:””,”_background_color”:””,”_background_color_stop”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_color_b”:”#f2295b”,”_background_color_b_stop”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:100,”sizes”:[]},”_background_gradient_type”:”linear”,”_background_gradient_angle”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:180,”sizes”:[]},”_background_gradient_position”:”center center”,”_background_image”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_image_laptop”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_image_tablet”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_image_mobile”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_position”:””,”_background_position_laptop”:””,”_background_position_tablet”:””,”_background_position_mobile”:””,”_background_xpos”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_xpos_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_xpos_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_xpos_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_ypos”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_ypos_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_ypos_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_ypos_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_attachment”:””,”_background_repeat”:””,”_background_repeat_laptop”:””,”_background_repeat_tablet”:””,”_background_repeat_mobile”:””,”_background_size”:””,”_background_size_laptop”:””,”_background_size_tablet”:””,”_background_size_mobile”:””,”_background_bg_width”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:100,”sizes”:[]},”_background_bg_width_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_bg_width_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_bg_width_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_video_link”:””,”_background_video_start”:””,”_background_video_end”:””,”_background_play_once”:””,”_background_play_on_mobile”:””,”_background_privacy_mode”:””,”_background_video_fallback”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_slideshow_gallery”:[],”_background_slideshow_loop”:”yes”,”_background_slideshow_slide_duration”:5000,”_background_slideshow_slide_transition”:”fade”,”_background_slideshow_transition_duration”:500,”_background_slideshow_background_size”:””,”_background_slideshow_background_size_laptop”:””,”_background_slideshow_background_size_tablet”:””,”_background_slideshow_background_size_mobile”:””,”_background_slideshow_background_position”:””,”_background_slideshow_background_position_laptop”:””,”_background_slideshow_background_position_tablet”:””,”_background_slideshow_background_position_mobile”:””,”_background_slideshow_lazyload”:””,”_background_slideshow_ken_burns”:””,”_background_slideshow_ken_burns_zoom_direction”:”in”,”_background_hover_background”:””,”_background_hover_color”:””,”_background_hover_color_stop”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_color_b”:”#f2295b”,”_background_hover_color_b_stop”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:100,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_gradient_type”:”linear”,”_background_hover_gradient_angle”:{“unit”:”deg”,”size”:180,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_gradient_position”:”center center”,”_background_hover_image”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_hover_image_laptop”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_hover_image_tablet”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_hover_image_mobile”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_hover_position”:””,”_background_hover_position_laptop”:””,”_background_hover_position_tablet”:””,”_background_hover_position_mobile”:””,”_background_hover_xpos”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_xpos_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_xpos_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_xpos_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_ypos”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_ypos_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_ypos_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_ypos_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_attachment”:””,”_background_hover_repeat”:””,”_background_hover_repeat_laptop”:””,”_background_hover_repeat_tablet”:””,”_background_hover_repeat_mobile”:””,”_background_hover_size”:””,”_background_hover_size_laptop”:””,”_background_hover_size_tablet”:””,”_background_hover_size_mobile”:””,”_background_hover_bg_width”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:100,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_bg_width_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_bg_width_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_bg_width_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_background_hover_video_link”:””,”_background_hover_video_start”:””,”_background_hover_video_end”:””,”_background_hover_play_once”:””,”_background_hover_play_on_mobile”:””,”_background_hover_privacy_mode”:””,”_background_hover_video_fallback”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_background_hover_slideshow_gallery”:[],”_background_hover_slideshow_loop”:”yes”,”_background_hover_slideshow_slide_duration”:5000,”_background_hover_slideshow_slide_transition”:”fade”,”_background_hover_slideshow_transition_duration”:500,”_background_hover_slideshow_background_size”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_background_size_laptop”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_background_size_tablet”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_background_size_mobile”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_background_position”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_background_position_laptop”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_background_position_tablet”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_background_position_mobile”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_lazyload”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_ken_burns”:””,”_background_hover_slideshow_ken_burns_zoom_direction”:”in”,”_background_hover_transition”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_border_border”:””,”_border_width”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_width_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_width_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_width_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_color”:””,”_border_radius”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_radius_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_radius_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_radius_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_box_shadow_box_shadow_type”:””,”_box_shadow_box_shadow”:{“horizontal”:0,”vertical”:0,”blur”:10,”spread”:0,”color”:”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)”},”_box_shadow_box_shadow_position”:” “,”_border_hover_border”:””,”_border_hover_width”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_hover_width_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_hover_width_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_hover_width_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_hover_color”:””,”_border_radius_hover”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_radius_hover_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_radius_hover_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_border_radius_hover_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”top”:””,”right”:””,”bottom”:””,”left”:””,”isLinked”:true},”_box_shadow_hover_box_shadow_type”:””,”_box_shadow_hover_box_shadow”:{“horizontal”:0,”vertical”:0,”blur”:10,”spread”:0,”color”:”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)”},”_box_shadow_hover_box_shadow_position”:” “,”_border_hover_transition”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_switch”:””,”_mask_shape”:”circle”,”_mask_image”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_mask_notice”:””,”_mask_size”:”contain”,”_mask_size_laptop”:””,”_mask_size_tablet”:””,”_mask_size_mobile”:””,”_mask_size_scale”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:100,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_size_scale_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_size_scale_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_size_scale_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position”:”center center”,”_mask_position_laptop”:””,”_mask_position_tablet”:””,”_mask_position_mobile”:””,”_mask_position_x”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_x_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_x_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_x_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_y”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_y_laptop”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_y_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_y_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_repeat”:”no-repeat”,”_mask_repeat_laptop”:””,”_mask_repeat_tablet”:””,”_mask_repeat_mobile”:””,”hide_desktop”:””,”hide_laptop”:””,”hide_tablet”:””,”hide_mobile”:””},”defaultEditSettings”:{“defaultEditRoute”:”content”},”elements”:[],”widgetType”:”toggle”,”htmlCache”:””,”editSettings”:{“defaultEditRoute”:”content”,”panel”:{“activeTab”:”content”,”activeSection”:”section_toggle”},”activeItemIndex”:1}}]} or later, let me know. We’ll send you an engagement letter via DocuSign and an invoice via our secured online payment provider, GravityLegal. Once these housekedeping items are taken care of, you’ll schedule your Estate Plan Design Meeting
What kind of information do you need from me?
Let me start by saying what we do NOT need! We do NOT need account statements, social security numbers, or tax returns. We DO need information on what kind of assets you own (house, retirement account, life insurance, etc.), their relative value, and how they are titled (jointly, individually, etc.) Beyond that, we simply need answers to questions about your personal estate planning preferences, including:
* Who you would want raising your minor children if something happened to you and your spouse or partner
* Who you want to be in charge of your children’s money until they are old enough to mange it themselves
* Who you want making medical and financial decisions for you in the event of your incapacity
Don’t worry if you don’t have the answers to these questions right away! You’ll have plenty of time to think things over throughout the process.
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of getting legal documents in place so that your chosen individuals are appointed to take care of you, your children, your assets, and your finances in the event of your death or incapacity. The process also involves naming the people you want to inherit your assets when you are gone. An “estate plan” is a bundle of all the documents needed to accomplish these objectives.
If you don’t currently have a will or trust, you may think you don’t have an estate plan….but you do. It’s just that the state of Illinois has written it for you! All states have a default plan for your family and assets in the event of your incapacity or death. That’s the plan you have now. Estate planning is “opting out” of the default plan and putting your own wishes in place.
How much does estate planning cost?
It depends! Estate planning is not one size fits all, so it’s hard for us to give you a quote without knowing more about you. Even if you believe your situation is relatively simple, there are likely nuances you are not considering. We discuss our fees and process at length in the Peace of Mind Planning Session, after we have counseled you on all your options. We do not discuss our fees outside the Peace of Mind Planning Session.
We understand that cost is an important factor in choosing an attorney, and that estate planning is a significant investment for many. It is our goal to be as transparent and fair as possible. For that reason, we offer flat fees as opposed to billing by the hour, so you know exactly what your investment will be.
Finally, we will only recommend planning with us if the amount you would save by doing an estate plan is greater than our fee.
How long does the process take?
Can I sign my documents with DocuSign?
What kind of clients do you accept?
Why do I need a living trust?
You have two options with your estate planning: a will-based plan, or a living trust-based plan. A living trust is a document where you appoint a chosen individual to manage your assets should you become incapacitated and distribute them to your family at your death. It is almost always preferrable to a will because it is designed to avoid the time, expense, and publicity of probate, which a will cannot avoid.
It comes as a surprise to many that wills do not avoid probate court…they guarantee it!
I will go over the difference between a will and a living revocable trust in depth during the Peace of Mind Planning Session and you can decide what is best for you and your loved ones.
How can I learn more about Daphne Bartal?
Daphne Bartal focuses her law practice exclusively on Estate Planning, and its related work. As a mother to young children with various needs, she believes Estate Planning is a deeply personal matter, and understand that each individual and family has their own unique necessities . Attorney Bartal will help you navigate Estate Planning in plain English, so you can be educated about your options. She is dedicated to assist you in protecting your assets and desires so they will pass on to your intended beneficiaries, and that your final wishes are carried through. All while making the process easy.
Daphne was educated on both the East and West Coasts of the U.S. While attending the University of North Carolina, she graduated from two honors programs, and completed three bachelors degrees in Industrial Engineering, Business and Accounting, and Political Science. She later moved to CA where she attended law school. While working in the Estate, Trusts, and Tax fields post law school, she attended a three-year program earning her Master in Law in Taxation.
A frequent speaker at schools, house of worships, businesses, and community centers Daphne enjoys educating individuals, families, business owners, and seniors on the importance of estate planning. She is admitted to practice law in New York, D.C, and California.
In her spare time Daphne enjoys spending time with her children, singing Opera, reading, organizing and contributing to communal causes, hosting guests, and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Follow on IG at: Bartal_Law
How can I learn more about Bartal Law?
Bartal Law P.C. is a boutique women-owned law firm based in Queens, New York. The firm services Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island. It also service Nassau and Suffolk counties of Long Island. And are happy to serve clients from the Hudson to other parts of the State of New York, as well as residents of D.C, and California. We prepare comprehensive estate plans for all types of individuals and families. We take a proactive approach in educating you on your option, so your Legacy and wealth can be protected and carried on.
What is our general process?
We have a streamlined, 4-step process designed to allow for counseling and guidance by me and to have your trust and related relevant estate planning documents created and signed in 6-8 weeks.
*The first step is to attend your Peace of Mind Planning Session. At this 1-hour Zoom consult session, you’ll share your needs and questions, and we will go over your initial intake questionnaire response. You will complete this initial intake via a secured online portal, we will provide you your unique link. During the consult session, you will learn all about your options and our flat-fees. If you decide to hire me, the $350.00 fee that you paid when scheduling the Peace-of-Mind-Planning-Session will be deducted from the flat-rate-plan that you choose. Additionally, if you decide to move forward, we’ll email you an Engagement Letter and invoice, both of which can be executed online.
*Next is your Estate Plan Design Meeting. At this 90 plus-minute Zoom meeting we will roll up our sleeves and design your trust and other estate planning documents, working from the information you provided in your Family Legacy Profile. After this session, I’ll draft your plan documents.
* Review zoom meeting will be conducted, or a guided review video will be provided. In the review process we will go over any changes or updates you’d liked to make. When everything is good to go, we will coordinate an in-person Signing Ceremony.
*Your Signing Ceremony is where you will sign your documents with the proper legal formalities, in front of two witnesses and a Notary. We will coordinate on where this signing ceremony will occur, i.e. your home or in an office setting. Following execution of the documents, you will receive a binder with your plan documents to be kept at your secured location. We provide a complimentary 1-3 year review of your plan. And are available to assist you with any future planning, and probate and trust administration needs.
What can I expect from my Peace of Mind Planning Session?
What are the initial steps to get started?
When you are ready to move forward, whether at your Peace of Mind Planning Session, or later, let me know. We’ll send you an engagement letter via DocuSign and an invoice via our secured online payment provider, GravityLegal. Once these housekedeping items are taken care of, you’ll schedule your Estate Plan Design Meeting.
What kind of information do you need from me?
Let me start by saying what we do NOT need! We do NOT need account statements, social security numbers, or tax returns. We DO need information on what kind of assets you own (house, personal property, retirement account, life insurance, etc.), their relative value, and how they are titled (jointly, individually, etc.) Beyond that, we simply need answers to questions about your personal estate planning preferences, including:
* Who you would want raising your minor children if something happened to you and your spouse or partner
* Who you want to be in charge of your children’s money until they are old enough to mange it themselves
* Who you want making medical and financial decisions for you in the event of your incapacity, and other similar related relevant questions for creating your plan.
Don’t worry if you don’t have the answers to these questions right away! You’ll have plenty of time to think things over throughout the process.
What is probate?
Probate is a court-supervised process of administering your estate upon your death. If you die without a will, your estate must go through probate before all your money can be distributed to your heirs. And if you die WITH a will…your estate still has to go through probate. One sure way to avoid probate is with a funded revocable living trust.
What’s so bad about probate? Even a very simple probate matter can take a year or years to complete. The average cost to settle an estate in New York through probate can average 5%-7%. Even a very small estate with no challenges and an experienced executor may be settled for $4000.00 to $6000.00. Some probate process could cost in the $20,000+ or $100,000+ It’s also a public proceeding that makes your will available to anybody who wants to look at it.
Although a will is subject to the probate process, a living trust is designed to bypass it completely, as well as provide other substantial benefits.
Is a simple Will enough?
Unfortunately, even a simple will is still subject to the expense and delays of probate. It’s not the complexity of the document itself that cause the time and expense, it’s the probate process . For this reason, a lot of people choose to create a living trust instead of a will, which is designed for simplicity and to avoid the probate process completely. A will plan is still a better, foundational option in lieu of the uniformed state plan.
Isn’t estate planning just for the wealthy?
No. This is the biggest myth out there. Estate planning is in no way related to how much money you have, whether you are a married, or whether or not you are a parent. Anyone should have an estate plan, and will benefit from putting one together for themselves and their loved ones.
Estate planning in putting legal documents in place that ensure your assets will go to the people you want, the way you want, when you are gone. It’s about making this as easy as possible on your loved ones during an otherwise difficult time, such as at your incapacity. And we all care about that, care about our loved ones being taken care of, no matter how much (or little) money we have.
It’s also about appointing people to manage your property and make health care decisions for you if you are in a state where you can not make those choices for yourself, something also that matters to all of us regardless of wealth status.
What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney lets you appoint someone to manage your property in the event of your incapacity. You will name someone you trust implicitly as your “agent”. They will step into your shoes and pay your bills, file your taxes, manage your business, and finances etc. if you cannot.
We include a power of attorney for both spouses in every estate plan we create.
What is a health care proxy?
A health care proxy allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your medical decisions should you be unable to do so. A living will (not to be confused with a living trust or last will and testament) allows you to make certain medical decisions regarding end-of-life decisions, ahead of time.
We include a health care proxy and living will for both spouses in every estate plan we create.
Can we have a quick call before booking the Peace of Mind Planning Session?
Yes, I am happy to have a quick, complimentary call before you schedule your Peace-of-Mind-Planning-Session. I do not discuss fees outside the Peace of Mind Planning Session, where we can better understand the details and your needs, but I am happy to answer any basic questions you may have.
What if I need to update my estate planning documents?
No problem! A living trust can be changed or revoked entirely as long as the creator is alive and has mental capacity to do so. Any guardians for minor children can also be changed through an amendment (called a “codicil”) to your pour-over will.
All other estate planning documents (power of attorney, health care proxy, etc.) are typically recreated as it is more cost-effective.
The main point is that your documents can (and probably will be) updated as your life, your assets, and the law change throughout life.
I’m not married – do I need an estate plan?
Yes! In some ways, you need estate planning MORE than married folks. Many non-married individuals want to leave their money to close individuals, friends, and charities and not their living relative. Unfortunately, if you die without getting this in writing, your estate could end up in the hands of that distant cousin you’ve met twice. And it’s important for everyone to have a Health Care Proxy and Financial Power of Attorney.
How can I make sure my kids don’t get a big check on their 18th birthday?
Great question! I have yet to meet a parent who actually wants their kids to inherit a big lump sum on their 18th birthday (which is the age you are legally entitled to inherit). Yet that is exactly what will happen if you don’t get an estate plan saying otherwise. The good news is that with a trust, you can choose a later age for your kids to inherit – say 25, or 30. You can design additional safeguards in place for your children inheritance. You have lots of options. We’ll discuss them at your Peace of Mind Planning, and design sessions
How do I nominate legal guardians for my children?
You nominate legal guardians in a Will, or a Pour-Over Will that goes along with your Revocable Living Trust. If you pass away without nominating guardians, a judge will make the decision for you. You also run the risk that family members will fight over who gets custody because you didn’t make your preference clear. And other risks such as your children being taken into protective custody.
Our firm goes the extra mile and helps you nominate short-term guardians to care for your children in the interim while the long-term guardians are appointed. Particularly of importance if your desired family members reside far away or outside of the country. And did you know you can “confidentially exclude” people you would never want raising your children no matter what? We can help with that!
Can’t I just do my will online or through Legal Zoom?
You can. Keep in mind that Legal Zoom and law firms are two different things. They provide two different services. This is why the cost is different. The product and service is different. Legal Zoom offers form documents processing, you need to fill out, and execute yourself. They are not a law firm and do not give personable, analytical, legal advice and tailored consulting. An attorney, on the other hand, counsels you and gives you legal advice based on your specific circumstances. They will customize your documents, ensure they are signed with the proper formalities, and communicate with you when you have questions. If these things are important to you, you should work with an attorney. If they are not, Legal Zoom may be a better option.
Do you work with families in all 50 states?
Estate planning is an area of law that is state-specific. That means you should work with an attorney licensed in the state in which you reside. I am licensed in New York and California. If you live in one of those states, we can prepare your estate planning documents. If you do not, message us, and we will be happy to refer you to an attorney licensed in your state.
We offer unique flat-fee prices for our estate plan services.
That being said, Estate planning is not one size fits all, so it’s hard for us to give you a quote without knowing more about you. Even if you believe your situation is relatively simple, there are likely nuances you are not considering or are aware of. We discuss our fees and process at length in the Peace of Mind Planning Session, after we have counseled you on all your options. We do not discuss our fees outside the Peace of Mind Planning Session, because we have to get to know you and your specific needs.
We understand that cost is an important factor in choosing an attorney, and that estate planning is a significant investment for many. It is our goal to be as transparent and fair as possible. For that reason, we offer flat fees as opposed to billing by the hour, so you know exactly what your investment will be.
Finally, we will only recommend planning with us if the amount you would save by doing an estate plan is greater than our fee.
Our process is designed to have your estate planning documents signed within 6-8 weeks of your Peace of Mind Planning Session. Sometime within a shorter or longer time frame, depending in part on the complexities of your plan, your schedule and how long it takes for you to review your draft documents.
Wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents need to be signed with very specific formalities or they will not be considered legally valid. That means signing in person, in front of 2 witnesses. The witnesses are there to confirm you are lucid and not under duress. Any changes you make to your documents in the future will need to be executed with the same legal formalities. New York does provide a virtual signing option.
We take on a limited clientele each month so we can offer a high level of service to each family. We work with people who value our advice and are seeking a long-term working relationship. If you are looking for the cheapest attorney you can find, do not want to devote time to learning about and understanding your options, or do not feel comfortable completing the Family Profile before our session, we are not the right law firm for you, and would be happy to refer you to a lawyer who may be a better fit. We do offer flat-fee prices, and work with individuals and families from all walks of life. Everyone wealthy or not can benefit from having his affairs organized and and having a plan in place.
You have two options with your estate planning: a will-based plan, or a living trust-based plan. A living trust is a drafted tool where you appoint a chosen individual to manage your assets should you become incapacitated and distribute them to your family at your death. It is almost always preferrable to a will because it is designed to avoid the time, expense, and publicity of probate, which a will cannot avoid.
It comes as a surprise to many that wills do not avoid probate court…they guarantee it!
I will go over the difference between a will and a living revocable trust in depth during the Peace of Mind Planning Session and you can decide what is best for you and your loved ones.
We help individuals and families protect their assets and loved ones with proper estate planning. Subscribe here for relevant news and updates
Locations We Serve
Estate Planning In Queens, NY
- Astoria
- Flushing
- Jamaica
- Sunnyside
- Forest Hills
- Jackson Heights
Estate Planning In Long Island, NY
- Hempstead
- Huntington
- Islip
- Freeport
- Garden City
- Massapequa
Estate Planning In Brooklyn, NY
- Williamsburg
- Park Slope
- Bay Ridge
- Bushwick
- Brooklyn Heights
- Bedford-Stuyvesant
Estate Planning In Bronx, NY
- Riverdale
- Belmont
- Morris Park
- Kingsbridge
- Fordham
- Throggs Neck
Estate Planning In Manhattan, NY
- Upper East Side
- Lower Manhattan
- Harlem
- Chelsea
- Greenwich Village
- Tribeca
Estate Planning In Upstate NY / Westchester
- Yonkers
- White Plains
- New Rochelle
- Scarsdale
- Tarrytown
- Mount Vernon
Book a Peace-of-Mind Planning Session
Get empowered and educated on how to protect and plan for your family and assets from
the comfort of your own home.