An estate-planning package is not a standardized product. Two proposals may list similar documents but include different interviews, asset reviews, implementation work and updates. Begin with a written list of what each firm will prepare and help put into effect. This budgeting worksheet does not determine which documents or arrangements are appropriate for your family.
Identify the planning work, not just document names
Ask the lawyer which information about family circumstances, ownership and existing documents is needed to define the assignment. Request a list of documents included and whether the quote covers one person or a couple. If a trust is proposed, ask the firm to explain the work connected with it rather than assuming that a package name describes every step. Record additional consultations or specialist work separately.
Ask who handles implementation
Preparation, signing arrangements and implementation may be different services. Confirm whether the firm assists with execution, supplies instructions for handling originals or provides follow-up after the documents are signed. For a proposed trust, ask specifically about asset-title or beneficiary-related work, who is responsible and whether those tasks are within the fee. The Bar’s trust resource is a research starting point, not an instruction to choose a trust.
Compare ongoing obligations and excluded advice
Ask how later amendments, replacement documents and reviews following changed circumstances are charged. Clarify whether the engagement includes tax advice, out-of-state property work, business interests or coordination with other advisers. Do not assume a document package includes ongoing estate administration or future probate representation. A useful quote explains both the initial assignment and the work that would require a new engagement.
Your written-proposal checklist
| Item | Question or evidence to record |
|---|---|
| People covered | One person or a couple, with separate advice needs explained |
| Documents | Exact documents and revision rounds within the proposal |
| Implementation | Execution assistance and any funding or title work specified |
| Future work | Update, tax, other-state and administration exclusions |
Record the firm, document version, quotation date, assignment and unresolved questions in your own private notes. Do not upload confidential legal documents to this website.
Next step for this decision
Compare the written scope rather than the number of pages in a package. Keep asset transfers and other implementation charges visible as separate questions. Ask a qualified lawyer to determine the planning approach; the quote tool can compare entered charges, not the suitability of a legal structure.