Our Estate Planning Process
Last updated on September 21, 2026
Step 1: Discovery And Strategy Meeting
Every estate plan begins with a conversation.
During our initial meeting, we take the time to learn about you, your family, your assets, and your goals. We discuss what is most important to you, whether that is protecting your spouse, providing for children, planning for long-term care, avoiding family conflict, minimizing taxes, protecting assets, or preserving a legacy.
Our attorneys will also review any existing estate planning documents and identify opportunities for improvement.
Outcome: We recommend the estate planning package that best fits your goals and provide a clear fixed-fee quote.
Step 2: Design And Planning
Once we understand your goals, we design an estate plan tailored specifically to your family and circumstances.
We evaluate:
- Asset ownership
- Beneficiary designations
- Family dynamics
- Long-term care concerns
- Tax considerations
- Incapacity planning
- Business ownership interests
- Special needs planning opportunities
Our goal is to ensure all parts of your plan work together to accomplish your objectives.
Outcome: We create a customized planning strategy and begin drafting your documents.
Step 3: Drafting And Review
Our team prepares your personalized estate planning documents.
Before signing, you will have the opportunity to review your documents, ask questions, and ensure you fully understand how your plan works. We believe estate planning should be understandable, not confusing.
You will know:
- Who is making decisions for you if you become incapacitated
- Who inherits your assets
- How trusts operate
- What responsibilities your fiduciaries will have
- How your plan protects the people you love
Outcome: You receive a complete understanding of your estate plan before signing.
Step 4: Signing And Implementation
We conduct a formal signing meeting to properly execute your documents according to Pennsylvania law.
Depending on the package selected, our lawyers also assist with:
- Beneficiary designation coordination
- Trust funding guidance
- Deed preparation and transfers
- Coordination with financial advisers and accountants
- Asset alignment recommendations
A great estate plan is not just signed — it is implemented.
Outcome: Your estate plan is legally in place and ready to work when needed.
Step 5: Organize And Protect
Upon completion, you will receive your estate planning portfolio along with guidance regarding where documents should be stored and who should have access to them.
We also provide:
- Fiduciary guidance
- Trust funding instructions (if applicable)
- Beneficiary designation recommendations
- Asset ownership recommendations
- Ongoing educational resources
Outcome: Your family knows where to find important documents and understands your planning structure.
Step 6: Keep Your Plan Current
Life changes. Families change. Laws change. Your estate plan should change too.
We encourage clients to review their estate plans regularly, particularly after:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a loved one
- Significant changes in assets
- Retirement
- Relocation
- Changes in tax laws
- Diagnosis of a health condition
Clients enrolled in our Annual Maintenance Plan receive ongoing access to updates, annual reviews, educational seminars, and document revisions to ensure their plans remain current.
Outcome: Confidence that your plan continues to reflect your wishes as life evolves.
Our Promise
We believe estate planning should be straightforward, educational, and tailored to your unique goals. Our process is designed to provide clear communication, transparent pricing, and practical guidance every step of the way, so that you leave with more than documents — you leave with peace of mind.