Introduction
	Six Basic Steps
	1. Initiate the discussion
	2. Take stock of the present
	3. Develop objectives
	4. Choose professional       advisors, a guardian, &       a personal representative
	5. Consider alternatives
	6. Review & modify
	Additional resources
	Evaluation of web site
	Contacts & Credits

 

Step 2. Take Stock of the Present

This step is critical because it is the foundation of your entire estate plan. You can save time and money if you have the following information ready before your first visit to an attorney. The following checklist is a summary of information that your attorney will need.

Checklist : (Directions: Each of the following headings will take you to a page that you can print out to record your information or that you can save as a Word file to record your information).

_____	1. Family members' names and relationship to you
_____	2. Location of important papers
_____	3. Bank accounts and insurance
		A.	Bank accounts and safety deposit box
		B.	Life insurance
_____	4. Assets
		A.	Trusts
		B.	Real estate
		C.	Stocks and bonds
		D.	Mutual funds (not held in retirement account)
		E.	Retirement benefits
		F.	Personal property
		G.	Notes, mortgages, and accounts receivable
_____	5. Liabilities
		A.	Mortgages and other real estate debts
		B.	Liens against personal property (i.e. vehicle or machinery loans)
		C.	Other personal liabilities
_____	6. Miscellaneous
		A.	Other financial information
		B.	Gifts given

Links:

Read about Estate Planning and Property Ownership in this guide from Montana State University . http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt8907.html

This article from the Federal Information Center in Pueblo , Colorado provides general information about estate planning. http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/money/estateplan/planning.htm

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Introduction | Additional resources | Evaluation of web site | Contacts & Credits
Step 1. Initiate the discussion	Step 2. Take stock of the present
Step 3. Develop objectives	Step 4. Choose professional advisors, a guardian,                   & a personal representative
Step 5. Consider alternatives	Step 6. Review & modify
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Disclaimer: This web site is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice or counsel. It is designed to create an awareness of the need for estate planning and to help families become better acquainted with some of the issues involved.