WHAT IS A WILL?

A will or testament is a legal document by which a person, the testator, expresses their wishes as to how their property is to be distributed at death, and names one or more persons, the executor, to manage the estate until its final distribution.

WHAT IS A POWER OF ATTORNEY?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you give someone you trust (called your “attorney”) the right to make financial decisions on your behalf if something happens to you and you are no longer able to look after matters on your own.

WHAT IS A PERSONAL DIRECTIVE?

An advance healthcare directive, also known as living will, personal directive, advance directive, medical directive or advance decision, is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity.

To protect the validity of your estate planning documents, I adhere to strict private client-engagement policies:

• I meet only with the client to discuss drafting instructions and decision-making conversations.

• Beneficiaries, executors, or family members are strictly prohibited from attending these meetings.

• This ensures the client can speak freely and prevents any appearance of pressure or influence.

The integrity of your instructions is paramount. For this reason:

• Beneficiaries and executors may not participate in communicating with me on the client’s behalf.

• They also may not participate in reviewing or editing documents.

• This protects the client’s wishes and reduces the risk of future disputes or challenges.

Confirmation of your voluntary participation and understanding is required. I must confirm that each client:

• Understands the nature and effect of the documents.

• Is acting voluntarily.

• Is not under pressure or coercion.

If concerns arise regarding these points, I may request additional assessments or decline to proceed with the matter.

I maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.

• All client information is kept strictly confidential.

• I do not share details with family members, beneficiaries, or executors unless the client provides explicit written consent.

• Confidentiality continues after the client’s death unless required by law.

To ensure clarity and accuracy in all communications:

• All instructions must come directly from the client.

• I do not accept instructions relayed through family members.

• Email is the preferred method for document-related communication to ensure accuracy and proper record-keeping.

• Drafts of documents are provided directly to the client for private review.

My fee structure and timelines are transparent:

• Prices may vary and travel costs may apply depending on location.

• Fees are transparent and provided in writing before work begins.

• Payment is due at the time of service, which is after the initial appointment, but before documents are created and sent to you.

• Visa, Mastercard, and EMT are accepted for payment.

• All fees are non-refundable, without exception.

• This policy reflects the time, expertise, and preparation invested in each client’s matter, regardless of whether the client later changes their mind, delays the process, or chooses not to proceed.

• Cancelations will be billed out according to how much time was spent on the file up until the file was canceled, using an hourly billing rate of $125.00 per hour.

Please plan for the following timelines and extra service requirements:

• Please expect approximately 10-14 business days for document turnover.

• If you require your documents before this time period, your file may be considered a “rush” file and may be subject to extra fees.

• Additional services, such as revisions, consultations, and document retrieval, may also incur additional fees.

For the formal signing of your documents:

• Signing appointments must be attended only by the client and the required witnesses.

• Clients are to provide their own witnesses for document signing appointments.

• If you do not have witnesses, I am able to provide them depending on availability; witnesses charge $50.00 for their time.