How to Have a Positive Experience Getting Your Estate Planning Documents Done
Estate planning isn’t anyone’s idea of a party. It involves facing uncomfortable topics—death, taxes, money, and family dynamics—all of which people would rather not think about, let alone talk about with a lawyer. But here’s the good news: getting your estate plan done doesn’t have to be miserable. In fact, with the right mindset and a good relationship with your attorney, the process can be smooth, productive, and maybe even sprinkled with a little humor.
At our firm, we like to joke that we’re in the business of death and taxes—but we also love to laugh. Yes, we talk about serious topics, but we find that a little humor and humanity makes the process easier for everyone. Clients often tell us they’re surprised at how much fun they had while doing something they’d been dreading for years. That’s the energy we aim for.
Of course, every relationship is a two-way street. A good attorney-client relationship takes openness, communication, and a willingness to trust the process. So let’s talk about how to set yourself up for a positive experience—one where you walk away with peace of mind, a solid plan, and maybe even a smile.
1. Be Open and Share the Information We Need
When you hire an estate planning attorney, you’re essentially saying: “I want you to help me design a plan for my family, my health, and my finances.” But here’s the catch—if you don’t share those details, your attorney is flying blind.
Your financial picture, health considerations, and family dynamics all play a role in how your plan is designed. If you leave out a piece of the puzzle, you might not get advice that truly fits your situation. Think of it like visiting a doctor but refusing to say where it hurts—how could they possibly help you?
If you have a financial advisor, it’s especially important to loop them in. In fact, some of the best estate plans are crafted when the attorney and financial advisor work as a team. Your advisor can help update beneficiary designations or move accounts into a trust once the plan is finalized. Without that collaboration, things can fall through the cracks.
And here’s the kicker: holding back information also sets a tone of mistrust. If you don’t trust your attorney enough to be transparent, it will be hard to repair that relationship down the road. A positive attorney-client relationship begins with openness.
Now, I know attorneys don’t always get the best reputation—there are plenty of jokes about “bad apples” in my profession. But here’s the truth: attorneys are bound by strict ethical rules to keep your information private and confidential. Privilege is a very real thing, and it protects you. Despite the punchlines, as a general rule, you can trust your attorney to safeguard your personal details. Around here, we take your privacy (and your peace of mind) very seriously—even if we don’t always take ourselves too seriously.
2. Communicate and Respond
Estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” process. Once the conversation begins, there will be follow-ups, clarifications, drafts to review, and documents to sign. This is where communication becomes everything.
Now, no attorney wants to feel like they’re chasing their clients. We all have plenty on our plates, and we know you do too. That said, a respectful relationship includes responding to emails or phone calls in a timely manner. It doesn’t have to be immediate—but silence leaves everyone frustrated.
Some clients tell us, “Please chase me down if I don’t respond—I need the accountability.” That’s fine! If you know that’s your style, say so at the outset. But otherwise, keep the communication flowing. And if you’re heading on vacation or have a particularly hectic season coming up, just let your attorney know. That way, we can plan around it rather than wonder why we’re not hearing back.
The faster you respond, the faster the process moves along. And let’s be honest—“Get Will and Trust Done” is one of the best items to check off your to-do list. Who wouldn’t want the satisfaction of clearing that mental space sooner rather than later? Around here, we’ll celebrate with you when you get to cross it off—we might even break out a happy dance.
3. Come In with an Open Mind
One of the most common speed bumps in the estate planning process is when a client walks in with a rigid agenda: “This is how I want it done, this is how my parents did it, and this is what I read online.”
Now, I’m all for clients doing research. It’s great when you come into the process curious and informed. But there’s a difference between curiosity and deciding you already know the answer. Estate planning is more nuanced than a few Google searches can capture. Laws vary from state to state, and they change over time. What worked for your parents twenty years ago may not be effective—or even valid—today.
Think about it this way: would you walk into your doctor’s office and announce how they should write your prescription? Or insist on a diagnosis you found on WebMD? Doctors universally agree—that’s not helpful. The same applies here. Your attorney went to law school, passed the bar, keeps up with ongoing legal changes, and has years of experience crafting documents that work in real life. That expertise is what you’re paying for.
If you don’t trust your attorney’s recommendations, that’s a red flag. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad client—it just means it might not be the right fit. And that’s okay. It’s better to know sooner rather than later so you can find someone you trust and respect. We won’t be offended—honestly, we’d rather part ways than pretend it’s working when it’s not.
The Bottom Line
A positive estate planning experience is built on trust, communication, and collaboration. When you share information openly, respond to follow-ups, and come in with an open mind, the process is smoother and more successful for everyone involved.
At the end of the day, estate planning is about peace of mind—for you and your loved ones. A good attorney-client relationship makes that peace of mind possible. And while talking about death and taxes isn’t exactly fun, with the right fit, it doesn’t have to be painful either.
At our firm, we believe in handling serious things with a sense of humor. We’ll talk about the hard stuff, but we’ll also laugh along the way, because that’s what gets us all through life’s tougher moments. If you’re looking for an estate planning experience that’s professional, approachable, and maybe even a little fun, you just might be in the right place.
Until Next Time,
Julie