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Welcome to the Thoughtful Interview!
We've designed an adaptive interview - it asks relevant follow-up questions and skips sections that don't apply to you.
The interview must be completed in one sitting - please allocate 20-35 minutes.
The last question is "Is there anything else?" So if there's something you're unsure of, or if our questions don't mesh well with how you want things to function - please let us know. We work with you to ensure these documents perfectly reflect your wishes.
If you run into any problems, please
contact us
so we can help. 😀
The terms of our engagement.
Good relationships are built on understanding and agreement. Realizing that most terms and conditions are awful, we worked to keep ours short and understandable.
Would you like to review the terms of our engagement?
*
The terms of our engagement were included in the email containing the interview link.
Yes, please show them to me
No need, I've already reviewed them
Payment/Fees
• All payment/fees become the property of our law firm upon receipt – no payment/fee is held in a trust account.
Refunds
• If you aren’t pleased with our service, let us know and we’ll provide a full refund – you can terminate our services at any time.
• If we conclude that our firm isn’t a good match for you, we will refund your payment.
• After a full refund, our services end.
Our services
• We’re happy to connect with you to explain the process, answer your questions, and offer our advice – we interact with our clients via email, phone, texting, or video conference (we don’t meet in-person). You authorize us to contact you by email or phone and to leave messages.
• We create your documents using the answers you provide in the interview. After they’ve been reviewed by an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction, we send the documents to you with signing instructions.
• Our representation as your attorneys ends when we deliver your documents, but we remain available to answer your questions and to help you with updates/revisions.
• For clients who’ve purchased review/storage service and return their documents, we’ll review the signatures and store the documents (safekeeping the documents doesn’t constitute ongoing legal representation).
Tax-avoidance advising
• We don’t offer tax-avoidance advising. Multimillion-dollar estates often benefit from specialized tax-focused advice, but (as we saw when Prince died) non-tax-focused documents (like the ones we create) can often benefit multimillion-dollar estates.
Technology
• We use email and cloud-based technologies to provide our services – we take data security very seriously, but risks to confidentiality are intrinsic to these technologies.
Catching and fixing input errors
• We rely entirely on the accuracy of your interview answers when creating your documents. Because we don’t second-guess your interview answers (e.g., spelling of names, specific dollar amounts), you are responsible for input errors.
• We email your answers to you immediately after the interview is completed and ask you to carefully proofread your answers. If you don’t notice or inform us of an input error, it will appear in your documents.
• If you inform us of an input error within 24 hours of that email, we can correct the error at no charge. After the 24-hour window, we charge a “Late Correction Fee” of $100.
Confidentiality and Services for Couples
• As your lawyers, we keep your information confidential.
• If you hire as a couple (i.e., if you purchase “… for Two People”), you waive confidentiality with respect to the other member of your couple.
Disputes and Binding Arbitration
• All disputes between us will be completely settled by binding arbitration using the Consumer Rules of the American Arbitration Association. By agreeing to binding arbitration, we both agree to give up our rights to bring an action in court or have a jury trial. Any such dispute will be governed by Wisconsin law, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Arbitration will take place in the most populous city in your state and expenses will be split equally (but we’ll each pay our own counsel fees and travel costs). If we can’t agree on an arbitrator, we’ll each choose one and they’ll choose a third to chair an arbitration panel.
• Binding arbitration means giving up constitutional rights to trial by judge or jury and the right to appeal, so if you’re uncertain about agreeing to binding arbitration, please consult an independent attorney.
Copyright
• Our documents (including the template Thoughtful Will, the template Probate-Avoidance Trust, worksheets, and other customized documents), the interview, and our website are protected by copyright and we reserve all rights.
• You may not copy any portion of our documents, the interview, or our website without our written permission.
Severability
• If one or more of these terms is lawfully deemed void, the remaining terms continue in full force and effect.
Additional notices required in Wisconsin
• We have an obligation to refund any unearned fee, along with an accounting, at the termination of our representation.
• As described above, we will refund your payment upon request - but if there's a dispute about a requested refund, we are required to submit that dispute to binding arbitration within 30 days of the refund request.
• You can file a claim with the Wisconsin Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection if we fail to provide a refund of unearned fees.
Please confirm that you agree with the terms of our engagement
*
This answer counts as your electronic signature.
I agree to these terms
I don't agree
Unfortunately, we can't be your lawyers if we don't agree about the terms of our engagement.
Please
contact us
and we'll provide a full refund of your payment.
YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES
What is your date of birth?
*
MM
DD
YYYY
What is your middle name?
If you don't have a middle name, just leave this question blank. If you have several middle names, please type them without commas.
For example, Kiefer Sutherland would write: "William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus"
What is your relationship status?
*
Not married
Legally married
Partnered, but not legally married
What is your relationship status?
*
Legally married
Partnered, but not legally married
What is your spouse/partner's full name?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
What is your spouse/partner's full name?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Their email address:
*
Enter Email
Confirm Email
Their phone number:
*
Their date of birth:
*
MM
DD
YYYY
Do you have children?
*
If you have stepchildren and want them to be included as own children, you must list them here.
Your documents will automatically include your future children (by birth or adoption) unless you choose "No, and no plans to have children".
Yes
None yet, but might have kids in the future
No, and no plans to have children
How many children do you have?
*
Your child's full name?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Is your child younger than 18?
*
Yes
No
Are they from a previous relationship?
*
Yes
No
Your oldest's full name?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Your middle child's full name?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Your youngest's full name?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Please list your children, oldest to youngest.
*
Please write their full names.
For example, Kris Jenner would write:
Kourtney Mary Kardashian, Kimberly Kardashian West, Khloé Alexandra Kardashian, Robert Arthur Kardashian, Kendall Nicole Jenner, and Kylie Kristen Jenner
Are any of your children younger than 18?
*
Yes
No
Are any of your children from a previous relationship?
*
Yes
No
Do you have beloved pets?
*
If you answer yes, we'll ask you to choose a Pet Guardian.
Yes
No
LEGAL GUARDIANS
The Legal Guardian assumes parenting responsibilities until all of your children reach adulthood.
You don't need to name your children's other legal parent(s) as legal guardian.
We strongly suggest you
choose one person
as Legal Guardian, even if that person is part of a stable couple. We understand the desire to name a couple, but if they split and you've named both as co-guardians... custody battle.
Who should be the Legal Guardian?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Who should be the backup Legal Guardian?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Would you like to choose a backup-backup Legal Guardian?
*
Yes
No
Who should be the backup-backup Legal Guardian?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
PET GUARDIANS
The Pet Guardian assumes responsibility for the care and wellbeing of your treasured pets.
Who should be the Pet Guardian?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Who should be the backup Pet Guardian?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Would you like to choose a backup-backup Pet Guardian?
*
Yes
No
Who should be the backup-backup Pet Guardian?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
INHERITANCE TRUSTS
A
"trust"
is a special legal account that holds assets for the benefit of one or more people.
Trusts are very flexible - and lawyers create different types of trusts to address different issues.
Here we're creating "
inheritance trusts
" to hold inheritance assets for vulnerable recipients (like young children, folks with addiction, or loved ones with special needs). Anyone inheriting from you can receive a trust • they don't have to be family.
A
"trust"
is a special legal account that holds assets for the benefit of one or more people.
Trusts are very flexible - and lawyers create different types of trusts to address different issues.
Here we're creating "
inheritance trusts
" to hold inheritance assets for vulnerable recipients (like young children, folks with addiction, or loved ones with special needs). Anyone inheriting from you can receive a trust • they don't have to be family.
Your
Probate-Avoidance Trust
is also a trust - but its purpose and function is to hold legal title to your assets so you can skip probate. The Probate-Avoidance Trust also acts as a "Will-substitute" insofar as it distributes your assets upon your death (and, as needed, it will set up any inheritance trusts).
The recipient determines which type of inheritance trust is the best fit:
Click one or more to see a detailed overview.
Child/Maturity Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
Protective Lifelong Trusts
Pet Trust (or giving money to the Pet Guardian)
The recipient determines which type of inheritance trust is the best fit:
Click one or more to see a detailed overview.
Child/Maturity Trusts
Special Needs Trusts
Protective Lifelong Trusts
Child/Maturity Trusts hold assets for children and young adults as they mature.
We recommend creating Child/Maturity Trusts if you have young children, if you're planning to have children, or if your children aren't good with money.
You don't name specific recipients for the Child/Maturity Trusts - instead there's an age cutoff and anyone younger than the cutoff receives a trust (each person receives their own trust and their entire inheritance is placed in that trust).
The Trustee (chosen by you) approves spending for things like food, shelter, medical care, and education. Depending on the size of the trust, the Trustee can authorize purchases like buying a first car, paying for part or all of a wedding, or helping the trust recipient start a business.
Eventually, as the recipient reaches certain ages, they receive control of the assets - the hope is that the recipient has matured and will be able to spend their inheritance wisely.
We
strongly suggest you do not use the same people
to be Legal Guardian and Trustee. By choosing different people we can remove any temptation to improperly use the inheritance.
If a loved one has special needs and receives public benefits, a Special Needs Trust allows their inheritance to provide for supplemental needs that aren't covered by government benefits.
The Special Needs Trust is designed to improve the recipient's life without jeopardizing their eligibility to continue receiving public benefits. Because so many government benefits are tied to assets/income, an inheritance could inadvertently end those benefits - by putting the inheritance in a trust, your loved one doesn't receive ownership of the assets in a way that jeopardizes their eligibility.
You name specific individuals to receive a Special Needs Trust - each person receives their own trust and their entire inheritance is placed in that trust.
The Trustee (chosen by you) uses the trust for supplemental needs, but if public benefits aren't covering the basics (i.e., food/shelter, medical care, education), the Trustee can use the trust to cover those needs. Depending on the size of the trust, the Trustee can help purchase a home, pay for a wedding, or help the recipient start a business.
The Special Needs Trust lasts for the lifetime of the recipient - but if there's a cure and the recipient no longer needs public benefits, the Trustee can consult with experts and distribute the trust assets to the recipient.
Please note -
If your loved one has special needs but doesn't receive public benefits, the Special Needs Trust isn't a good fit for them.
Protective Lifelong Trusts is designed for recipients who are incapable of managing their money.
Perhaps your child suffers from drug addiction or your parent has early-onset dementia? A Protective Lifelong Trust protects that person's inheritance, ensuring it's spent wisely for necessities like food/shelter, medical care, and education - and if the trust is large enough, for non-essentials like a car, wedding, etc.
The Trustee (chosen by you) will generally pay expenses directly (e.g., paying rent directly to the landlord). Additionally, the Trustee can hold title to items (e.g., keeping the title to a car) to prevent the recipient from converting things to cash.
You name specific individuals to receive a Protective Lifelong Trust • each person receives their own trust and their entire inheritance is placed in that trust. A Protective Lifelong Trust lasts for the lifetime of the recipient.
We have two options for taking care of cherished pets:
Creating a Pet Trust
- or -
Giving money to the Pet Guardian
Option 1,
creating a Pet Trust
is the best mechanism to ensure your pets are well-cared-for. Before the advent of Pet Trusts, your only option was giving money to the someone who promised to care for you pets • but there was no mechanism to prevent that person from pocketing the money and abandoning your pets.
A single Pet Trust holds the assets that will be used to benefit all of your pets. You choose a Trustee who manages assets and distributes money to the Pet Guardian to pay for expenses like food, shelter, and veterinary care.
Option 2,
giving money directly
to the Pet Guardian is a good option if you have dependable people as Pet Guardian (and backup(s)) - this option avoids the costs of creating and administering the Pet Trust.
If you create a Pet Trust, we
strongly suggest you don't use the same people
to be Pet Guardian and Trustee. The Trustee ensures the Pet Guardian is actually taking care of your pets (practically speaking, if you choose the same person for both roles, there's no reason to use a Pet Trust).
Would you like to create Child/Maturity Trusts?
*
Good for children and young adults.
Yes
No
Would you like to create one or more Special Needs Trusts?
*
Good for loved ones with special needs who receive government benefits.
Yes
No
Would you like to create one or more Protective Lifelong Trusts?
*
Good for people incapable of managing their money.
Yes
No
Would you like to create a Pet Trust or give money to the Pet Guardian?
*
Good for beloved pets.
Yes
No
CHILD/MATURITY TRUSTS
You don't name specific recipients for the Child/Maturity Trusts.
Instead, each person younger than the age cutoff receives a trust and their entire inheritance is placed in that trust. Our standard cutoff is 25 years old and younger, but you can choose a different age cutoff.
You choose the Trustee (and backup(s)) - they administer the trust, manage the assets, and approve spending from the trust.
We
strongly suggest you do not use the same people
for both Trustee and Legal Guardian. Using different people eliminates any temptation to misuse the trust.
Please choose one person to serve as Trustee.
This person will be the Trustee for all Child/Maturity Trusts.
You can choose your spouse/partner to be the Trustee - but please keep in mind, if you're leaving 100% of your Estate to your spouse/partner, the Child/Maturity Trust(s) will only be created if both you and your spouse/partner have died.
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Please choose one person to serve as Trustee.
This person will be the Trustee for all Child/Maturity Trusts.
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Who should be the backup Trustee?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Would you like to choose a backup-backup Trustee?
*
Yes
No
Who should be the backup-backup Trustee?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Would you like to customize the Child/Maturity Trusts or use our standard provisions?
*
Use the standard provisions
Customize the provisions
I'm not sure - please show me the standard provisions
Child/Maturity Trust standard provisions
1.
Age cutoff.
A trust is created for each person younger than 25 who inherits (each person gets their own trust).
2.
Age when trust income is paid to the recipient.
When the recipient turns 18, they begin receiving income generated from the trust's assets (i.e., interest and investment returns) - and they can spend that money however they want.
3.
Distribution of the trust assets.
The underlying trust assets are distributed to the recipient in three equal parts - when the recipient reaches ages 21, 25, and 30. Again, the recipient can spend that money however they want.
4.
Authorized spending.
The Trustee is specifically instructed to use the trust for the recipient's necessities like food, shelter, medical care, and education.
5.
Discretionary spending for other comforts.
The Trustee is instructed to consider factors like the size of the trust and the recipient's financial situation before spending on comforts or luxuries - if the trust is adequate, the Trustee can purchase a car for the recipient, pay for their wedding, or help the recipient start a business.
If you want to customize the Child/Maturity Trusts, please go back and choose
"
Customize the provisions
"
.
The age cutoff • anyone younger than this age will receive a trust:
*
Our standard age cutoff is 25.
At what age should trust income start being paid to the recipient?
*
Our standard age for receiving the income and interest is 18.
Distribution of the trust assets:
*
Our standard is three equal installments - when the trust recipient reaches ages 21, 25, and 30.
Distribute in one lump sum
Distribute in two equal installments
Distribute in three equal installments
At what age should the recipient receive the trust assets?
*
Age for the first distribution of trust assets?
*
Age for the second distribution of trust assets?
*
Age for the last distribution of trust assets?
*
Would you like to create custom spending restrictions or authorizations?
*
The Trustee will encounter unexpected issues, so they are given wide discretion over distributing the trust's assets. You can restrict the amount of spending or the type of spending - and/or - you can specifically authorize spending for certain items or categories.
Yes
No
Please describe the spending restrictions and/or authorizations.
*
Examples -
• No more than $5,000 from the trust can be spent for a wedding.
• The trust can be used to buy a car for recipient - recipient gets to pick the car, but they must pay for half (the trust can pay the other half).
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS
You name specific recipients to receive a Special Needs Trust - each person receives their own trust.
The Special Needs Trust is designed to supplement the governmental benefits your loved one receives - that could mean spending for additional therapies that aren't covered elsewhere or spending for shelter, education, medical care, and similar needs.
You choose the Trustee (and backup(s)) - they administer the trust, manage the assets, and approve spending from the trust.
How many recipients should receive a Special Needs Trust?
*
The recipient's full name:
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Please list each person who should receive a Special Needs Trust:
*
Please separate each person's name with a
comma
• use "
and
" before the last person's name.
Example -
• John Wilfred Smith, Jane Wilma Smith, and Jeremy Franklin Smith
Please choose one person to serve as Trustee.
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Who should be the backup Trustee?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Do you want to choose a backup-backup Trustee?
*
Yes
No
Who should be the backup-backup Trustee?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
You can use our standard provisions or you can customize discretionary spending.
*
The Trustee will encounter unexpected issues, so they are given wide discretion over investing and distributing the trust's assets - maintaining the trust recipient's eligibility to receive benefits is the top priority.
Use the standard provisions
Customize discretionary spending
Please describe the spending restrictions and/or authorizations.
The Trustee is authorized to ignore any spending restrictions or authorizations that might jeopardize the recipient's ability to receive public benefits.
PROTECTIVE LIFELONG TRUSTS
You name specific recipients to receive Protective Lifelong Trusts, generally loved ones who can't be trusted to handle large sums of money.
Each person receives their own trust and their entire inheritance is placed in that trust.
The Protective Lifelong Trusts is designed to support the recipient, paying for shelter, education, medical care, and similar needs. To prevent the recipient from spending foolishly (or spending to feed an addiction), the Trustee can pay expenses directly (e.g., pay rent directly to the landlord).
The Trustee will encounter unexpected issues, so they are given wide discretion over investing and distributing the trust's assets.
How many recipients should receive a Protective Lifelong Trust?
*
The recipient's full name:
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Please list each person who should receive a Protective Lifelong Trust.
*
Please separate each person's name with a
comma
• use "
and
" before the last person's name.
Example -
• John Wilfred Smith, Jane Wilma Smith, and Jeremy Waldorf Smith
Please choose one person to serve as Trustee.
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Who should be the backup Trustee?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Do you want to choose a backup-backup Trustee?
*
Yes
No
Who should be the backup-backup Trustee?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
You can use our standard provisions or you can customize discretionary spending.
*
The Trustee will encounter unexpected issues, so they are given wide discretion over distributing the trust's assets. You can restrict the amount of spending or the type of spending - and/or - you can specifically authorize spending for certain items or categories.
Use the standard provisions
Customize discretionary spending
Please describe the spending restrictions and/or authorizations.
*
CARING FOR YOUR PETS
Quick sidebar - There's a very real worry that future pets will be left out of your Will.
Here's how we protect against that possibility:
First - We include a "
Letter Regarding My Pets
" where you can list your pets and provide details for the Pet Guardian (vet information, favorite activities/treats, etc.). As circumstances change, you can update that letter with new pets and information.
Second - our documents use the phrase "
animal in your care for companionship or pleasure
" as the test for determining whether or not an animal qualifies as your pet - so even if you forget to update the Letter Regarding My Pets, your Executor is authorized to use conversations with you, vet records, and your social media to identify your pets.
Two options for providing for your pets:
Option 1 -
Create a Pet Trust
You choose a Trustee who controls the Pet Trust (monitoring your pets' wellbeing and authorizing spending from the Pet Trust). If protecting and caring for your pets is a top priority, a Pet Trust is the best vehicle to guarantee they are cared for.
Option 2 -
Give money directly to the Pet Guardian
Skipping the Pet Trust saves on administration costs, but there's no mechanism to prevent the Pet Guardian from abandoning your pets and keeping the money.
Do you want to create a Pet Trust or to give money to the Pet Guardian?
*
Create a Pet Trust
Give money to the Pet Guardian
How much money should go to the Pet Guardian?
*
Just the number please - no commas or dollar signs.
How much money should go into the Pet Trust?
*
Just the number please - no commas or dollar signs.
Please choose one person to serve as Trustee of the Pet Trust.
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Who should be the backup Trustee?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Would you like to choose a backup-backup Trustee?
*
Yes
No
Who should be the backup-backup Trustee?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
The Pet Trust ends upon the death of your pet(s). If there's money left in the trust should it be donated to a charity? Or go back into your Estate?
*
To a charity
Back into my Estate
The name of the charity:
*
Please also include the charity's city and state.
Typically, both members of a couple love and care for their pet(s).
If your spouse/partner survives you, they can choose (1) to care for the pet(s) (and these pet provisions won't apply), or (2) to let the Pet Guardian care for the pet(s) (in which case the funds are set aside for their care).
If you're certain your spouse/partner won't care for your pet(s), please
contact us
so we can adjust your documents accordingly.
THE PLAN FOR YOUR ESTATE
Your "Estate" is everything you own.
Financial accounts • real estate • all your personal property • stocks/bonds • your car • life insurance and retirement accounts • DVDs you never watch anymore • even intangible assets like rights to royalties for a book you wrote.
It's all part of your Estate.
"Non-probate assets"
(things like life insurance and retirement accounts) are part of your Estate, but because these assets have their own distribution mechanism (e.g., you name a beneficiary for your life insurance policy), non-probate assets aren't controlled by your Will.
There are two main options for distributing your Estate:
Option A - Create a custom plan
You create the distribution plan from scratch, choosing one or more recipients (people or organizations) to receive your Estate. If there's more than one recipient, they can receive equally or you can choose percentages. We call this distribution plan, "
Plan A
".
You can create
Plan B
to distribute anything left over after Plan A (e.g., if a recipient doesn't survive you or refuses their inheritance). Just like Plan A, you choose one or more recipients - split equally or according to the percentages you choose. And if you want a backup-backup plan, you can create
Plan C
. (We use your state's default plan is used as the last-resort backup if anything remains after your custom plan.)
Option B - Use your state's default plan
Each state has a default inheritance plan used for people without a Will (the legal term is "intestacy") • and we can use that default plan for your Estate.
The default plan is based on a typical person's preference, distributing the Estate to your close relatives (e.g., if you're unmarried with children, your kids get everything).
Default plans vary from state to state. For example, in most states if you're married with kids, your spouse gets everything, but in many states (including NY and California) your Estate is split between your spouse and your kids. Please
contact us
if you'd like to talk through how the default plan operates with your circumstances (or create a custom plan and we'll make sure it matches what you want).
Your "Estate" is everything you own.
Financial accounts • real estate • all your personal property • stocks/bonds • your car • life insurance and retirement accounts • DVDs you never watch anymore • even intangible assets like rights to royalties for a book you wrote.
It's all part of your Estate.
Usually a person's Will dictates how their Estate is distributed, but your Probate-Avoidance Trust handles that for your Estate.
"Non-probate assets"
(things like life insurance and retirement accounts) are part of your Estate but have their own post-death distribution mechanism (e.g., life insurance has a beneficiary) - so you'll need to retitle those assets or update the beneficiary so your Trust can distribute all your assets (we're here to help with that).
There are two main options for distributing your Estate:
Option A - Create a custom plan
You create the distribution plan from scratch, choosing one or more recipients (people or organizations) to receive your Estate. If there's more than one recipient, they can receive equally or you can choose percentages. We call this distribution plan, "
Plan A
".
You can create
Plan B
to distribute anything left over after Plan A (e.g., if a recipient doesn't survive you or refuses their inheritance). Just like Plan A, you choose one or more recipients - split equally or according to the percentages you choose. And if you want a backup-backup plan, you can create
Plan C
. (We use your state's default plan is used as the last-resort backup if anything remains after your custom plan.)
Option B - Use your state's default plan
Each state has a default inheritance plan used for people without a Will (the legal term is "intestacy") • and we can use that default plan for your Estate.
Default plans vary from state to state. For example, in most states if you're married with kids, your spouse gets everything, but in many states (including NY and California) your Estate is split between your spouse and your kids. Please
contact us
if you'd like to talk through how the default plan operates with your circumstances (or create a custom plan and we'll make sure it matches what you want).
Please note - unmarried partners aren't included in the default plans, so we add a provision treating your partner as your legal spouse for purposes of your state's default plan.
Should we create a custom plan or use the default plan?
*
Create a custom plan using Plan A, Plan B, etc.
Use the default plan
Should we create a custom plan or use the default plan?
*
Create a custom plan using Plan A, Plan B, etc.
Use the default plan
Should we create a custom plan or use the default plan?
*
Create a custom plan using Plan A, Plan B, etc.
Use the default plan
You have one child - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your child.
If you have more children in the future, your Estate will be divided equally among all your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
I like this Plan A, and now let's create Plan B
I like this Plan A, but I don't want Plan B
I want a different Plan A
You have multiple children - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A:
*
Plan A - Your Estate is divided equally among your children.
If you have more children in the future, your Estate will be divided equally among all your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
I like this Plan A, and now let's create Plan B
I like this Plan A, but I don't want Plan B
I want a different Plan A
You and your spouse/partner don't have children - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
I like this Plan A, and now let's create Plan B
I like this Plan A, but I don't want Plan B
I want a different Plan A
You and your spouse/partner don't have children - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
I like this Plan A, and now let's create Plan B
I like this Plan A, but I don't want Plan B
I want a different Plan A
You and your spouse/partner don't have children - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
I like this Plan A, and now let's create Plan B
I like this Plan A, but I don't want Plan B
I want a different Plan A
You and your spouse/partner don't have children - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
I like this Plan A, and now let's create Plan B
I like this Plan A, but I don't want Plan B
I want a different Plan A
You don't have children now, but you might - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your future children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
I like this Plan A, and now let's create Plan B
I like this Plan A, but I don't want Plan B
I want a different Plan A
We'll use your state's default plan for Plan B.
You and your spouse/partner don't have children now, but you might - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A and Plan B:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
Plan B - If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you, 100% of the Estate is divided equally among your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
I like this Plan A/Plan B, and now let's create Plan C
I like this Plan A/Plan B, but I don't want Plan C
I want a different Plan A
You and your spouse/partner don't have children now, but you might - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A and Plan B:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
Plan B - If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you, 100% of the Estate is divided equally among your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
I like this Plan A/Plan B, and now let's create Plan C
I like this Plan A/Plan B, but I don't want Plan C
I want a different Plan A
You and your spouse/partner don't have children now, but you might - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A and Plan B:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
Plan B - If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you, 100% of the Estate is divided equally among your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
I like this Plan A/Plan B, and now let's create Plan C
I like this Plan A/Plan B, but I don't want Plan C
I want a different Plan A
You and your spouse/partner don't have children now, but you might - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A and Plan B:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
Plan B - If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you, 100% of the Estate is divided equally among your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
I like this Plan A/Plan B, and now let's create Plan C
I like this Plan A/Plan B, but I don't want Plan C
I want a different Plan A
You and your spouse/partner have one child - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A and Plan B:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
Plan B - If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you, 100% of the Estate goes to your child.
If you have more children in the future, your Estate will be divided equally among all your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
I like this Plan A/Plan B, and now let's create Plan C
I like this Plan A/Plan B, but I don't want Plan C
I want a different Plan A
You and your spouse have multiple children - similarly situated people usually create the following Plan A and Plan B:
*
Plan A - 100% of the Estate goes to your spouse.
Plan B - If your spouse doesn't survive you, 100% is divided equally among your children.
If you have more children in the future, your Estate will be divided equally among all your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
I like this Plan A/Plan B, and now let's create Plan C
I like this Plan A/Plan B, but I don't want Plan C
I want a different Plan A
You have a blended family - similarly situated people usually choose one of these Plan A/Plan B combos:
*
VERSION 1
Plan A -
100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
Plan B -
If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you, your Estate goes to your child.
If you have more children in the future, your Estate will be divided equally among all your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
VERSION 2
Plan A -
The Estate is split between your spouse/partner and your child (next you'll pick percentages).
Plan B -
If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you...
100% of your Estate goes to your child (or children, you have additional kids).
If your child doesn't survive you...
the percentage you choose goes to their own descendants (distributed per capita by generation) - if there are no descendants it goes to your spouse/partner.
Use Version 1
Use Version 2, now let's pick percentages
I want a different Plan A
You mentioned earlier that one or more of your children are from a previous relationship - please provide additional detail.
*
One of my children is from a previous relationship
Some, but not all, of my children are from a previous relationship
All of my children are from a previous relationship
Which child is from a previous relationship?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
You have a blended family - similarly situated people usually choose one of these Plan A/Plan B combos:
*
VERSION 1
Plan A -
100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
Plan B -
If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you, your Estate is divided equally among all your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
VERSION 2
Plan A -
The Estate is split between your spouse/partner and your child from the previous relationship (next you'll pick percentages).
Plan B -
If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you…
their portion goes to all your children, per capita by generation.
If your child from the previous relationship doesn't survive you…
the percentage you choose goes to their own descendants (per capita by generation) - but if they don't have descendants, that percentage goes to your spouse/partner.
Use Version 1
Use Version 2, now let's pick percentages
I want a different Plan A
Please list your children from a previous relationship.
*
Please separate each child's name with a
comma
• and use "
and
" before the final name.
You have a blended family - similarly situated people usually choose one of these Plan A/Plan B combos:
*
VERSION 1
Plan A -
100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
Plan B -
If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you, your Estate is divided equally among all your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
VERSION 2
Plan A -
One portion of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner and the rest of your Estate is divided equally among your children from the previous relationship (next you'll pick percentages).
Plan B -
If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you…
their portion goes to all your children, per capita by generation.
If one or more of your children from the previous relationship don’t survive you…
the percentage you pick goes to those children and their descendants (per capita by generation) - but if they don't have descendants, that percentage goes to your spouse/partner.
Use Version 1
Use Version 2, now let's pick percentages
I want a different Plan A
You have a blended family - similarly situated people usually choose one of these Plan A/Plan B combos:
*
VERSION 1
Plan A -
100% of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner.
Plan B -
If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you, your Estate is divided equally among all your children.
If your grandchildren inherit because one or more of your children dies before you, distribution is done
"per capita by generation"
- all similarly situated grandkids receive an equal inheritance, regardless of whether they're an only child or they have siblings.
VERSION 2
Plan A - One portion of the Estate goes to your spouse/partner and the rest of your Estate is divided equally among your children (next you'll pick percentages).
Plan B -
If your spouse/partner doesn't survive you…
their portion goes to all your children, per capita by generation.
If one or more of your children don’t survive you…
the percentage you pick goes to your children and their descendants (per capita by generation) - but if they don't have descendants, that percentage goes to your spouse/partner.
Use Version 1
Use Version 2, now let's pick percentages
I want a different Plan A
What percentage should your spouse/partner receive?
*
What percentage should your child receive?
*
What percentage should your children receive?
*
Plan A and Plan B are set - would you like to create Plan C?
*
Yes, let's create Plan C
No Plan C
We'll use your state's default plan for Plan C.
Plan A
Any combination of organizations and living people can be included in your Plan A.
Your church or favorite charity
Your alma mater
An influential teacher or a treasured niece
Even your 100-year-young grandmother can be included in your Plan A.
😀
(Just to be clear, pets can't be a Plan A recipient - instead, let's create a Pet Trust or give money to the Pet Guardian.)
How many recipients are in Plan A?
*
What is the recipient's name?
*
Please provide their full name - if it's an organization, please also include their city and state.
Examples -
• Elyse Catherine Keaton
• WKS Public Television, Columbus, OH
What if the Plan A recipient can't or won't accept their inheritance?
*
Option 1 - The recipient's
descendants receive
the Estate.
Option 2 -
Create a custom Plan B
to distribute the Estate.
Option 3 - The Estate will be distributed according to your state's
default plan
.
Descendants receive
Create a custom Plan B
Use the default plan
How should Plan A be divided?
*
Option 1 -
Divide equally
among the Plan A recipients.
Option 2 -
Choose percentages
- you choose what percentage goes to each recipient.
Option 3 -
Combination of dollar amounts and percentages
- specific dollar amounts are given to one or more recipients, then the rest is distributed according to the percentages you choose.
Divide equally
Choose percentages
Combination of dollar amounts and percentages
Please list your Plan A recipients.
*
Please provide each recipient's full name - if it's an organization, please also include their city and state.
Example -
• Elyse Catherine Keaton
• Alex Proctor Keaton
• Mallory Keaton Moore
• Jennifer Elaine Keaton
• WKS Public Television, Columbus, OH
Please list your Plan A recipients and the percentages.
*
Please provide each recipient's full name and the percentage they should receive. If the recipient is an organization, please also include their city and state.
Example -
• Elyse Catherine Keaton - 50%
• Alex Proctor Keaton - 15%
• Mallory Keaton Moore - 15%
• Jennifer Elaine Keaton - 15%
• WKS Public Television, Columbus, OH - 5%
Please note
- The Plan A percentages must equal 100%.
Please explain how Plan A should operate.
*
Don't stress about phrasing - we'll rephrase and/or contact you if needed.
Example -
• $20,000 to Elyse Catherine Keaton and the rest divided 20% to Alex Proctor Keaton, 20% to Mallory Keaton Moore, 20% to Jennifer Elaine Keaton, and 40% to WKS Public Television, Columbus, OH
Please note
- The "rest" needs to equal 100%.
What if a Plan A recipient can't or won't accept their inheritance?
*
Option 1 - That recipient's
descendants receive
it.
Option 2 -
Other Plan A recipient(s) receive the leftover
, (based on Plan A's percentages), even if that Plan A recipient has descendants.
Option 3 -
Create a custom Plan B
to distribute the leftover.
Option 4 - The leftover will be distributed according to your state's
default plan
.
Descendants receive
Other Plan A recipient(s) receive the leftover
Create a custom Plan B
Use the default plan
Plan A and Plan B are set • would you like to create Plan C?
*
Yes, let's create Plan C
No Plan C
We'll use your state's default plan for Plan C.
PLAN B
Plan B only applies to the portion (if any) of your Estate that remains undistributed after Plan A.
You can include any organization or any living person in your Plan B (including recipients from Plan A).
How many recipients are in Plan B?
*
What is the recipient's name?
*
Please provide their full name - if it's an organization, please also include their city and state.
Examples -
• Chandler Muriel Bing
• Central Perk Charitable Foundation, New York, NY
What if the Plan B recipient can't or won't accept their inheritance?
*
Option 1 - The recipient's
descendants receive
the leftover.
Option 2 -
Create a custom Plan C
to distribute the leftover.
Option 3 - The leftover will be distributed according to your state's
default plan
.
Descendants receive
Create a custom Plan C
Use the default plan
How should Plan B be divided?
*
Option 1 -
Divide equally
among the Plan B recipients.
Option 2 -
Choose percentages
- you choose what percentage goes to each recipient.
Option 3 -
Combination of dollar amounts and percentages
- specific dollar amounts are given to one or more recipients, then the rest is distributed according to the percentages you choose.
Divide equally
Choose percentages
Combination of dollar amounts and percentages
Please list your Plan B recipients.
*
Please provide each recipient's full name - if it's an organization, please also include their city and state.
Example -
• Phoebe Buffay
• Joseph Francis Tribbiani, Jr.
• Monica E. Geller
• Chandler Muriel Bing
• Central Perk Charitable Foundation, New York, NY
Please list your Plan B recipients.
*
Please provide each recipient's full name and the percentage they should receive. If the recipient is an organization, please also include their city and state.
Example -
• Phoebe Buffay - 20%
• Joseph Francis Tribbiani, Jr. - 20%
• Monica E. Geller - 10%
• Chandler Muriel Bing - 20%
• Central Perk Charitable Foundation, New York, NY - 30%
Please note
- The Plan B percentages must equal 100%.
Please explain how Plan B should operate.
*
Don't stress about phrasing - we'll rephrase and/or contact you if needed.
Example -
• $5,000 to the Central Perk Charitable Foundation, New York, NY and the rest divided 75% to Phoebe Buffay and 25% to Joseph Francis Tribbiani, Jr.
Please note
- The "rest" needs to equal 100%.
What if a Plan B recipient can't or won't accept their inheritance?
*
Option 1 - That recipient's
descendants receive
the leftover.
Option 2 -
Other Plan B recipients receive the leftover
, (based the Plan B percentages), even if that Plan B recipient has descendants.
Option 3 -
Create a custom Plan C
to distribute the leftover.
Option 4 - The leftover will be distributed according to your state's
default plan
.
Descendants receive
Other Plan B recipient(s) receive the leftover
Create a custom Plan C
Use the default plan
PLAN C
Plan C only applies to the portion (if any) of your Estate that remains undistributed after Plans A and B.
Just like Plans A and B, you can include any organization or any living person in Plan C (including recipients who are in Plans A and B).
How many recipients are in Plan C?
*
What is the recipient's name?
*
Please provide their full name - if it's an organization, please also include their city and state.
Examples -
• Dorothy Zbornak
• Miami Canasta Club, Miami, FL
If the Plan C recipient can't/won't accept their inheritance, it goes to their descendants. If there are no descendants, the leftover is distributed according to your state's default plan.
How should Plan C be divided?
*
Option 1 -
Divide equally
among the Plan C recipients.
Option 2 -
Choose percentages
- you choose what percentage goes to each recipient.
Option 3 -
Combination of dollar amounts and percentages
-specific dollar amounts are given to one or more recipients, then the rest is distributed according to the percentages you choose.
Divide equally
Choose percentages
Combination of dollar amounts and percentages
Please list your Plan C recipients.
*
Please provide each recipient's full name - if it's an organization, please also include their city and state.
Example -
• Blanche Devereaux
• Dorothy Zbornak
• Rose Nylund
• Sophia Petrillo
• Miami Canasta Club, Miami, FL
If a Plan C recipient can't/won't accept their inheritance, the leftover is divided equally among the other Plan C recipients. If there are no other recipients, the leftover is distributed according to your state's default plan.
Please list your Plan C recipients.
*
Please provide each recipient's full name and the percentage they should receive. If the recipient is an organization, please also include their city and state.
Example -
• Blanche Devereaux - 20%
• Dorothy Zbornak - 30%
• Rose Nylund - 20%
• Sophia Petrillo - 20%
• Miami Canasta Club, Miami, FL - 10%
Please note
- The Plan C percentages must equal 100%.
If a Plan C recipient can't/won't accept their inheritance, the leftover is distributed the other Plan C recipients (according to the percentages you selected). If there are no other recipients, the leftover is distributed according to your state's default plan.
Please explain how Plan C should operate.
*
Don't stress about phrasing - we'll rephrase and/or contact you if needed.
Example -
• $25,000 to Dorothy Zbornak and the rest divided 60% to Sophia Petrillo and 40% to Miami Canasta Club, Miami, FL
Please note
- The "rest" or the "remainder" needs to equal 100%.
If a Plan C recipient can't/won't accept their inheritance, the leftover is distributed to the other Plan C recipients (on a percentage basis, based on how the rest of Plan C was distributed). If there are no other recipients, the leftover is distributed according to your state's default plan.
SPECIAL GIFTS
Now we turn to special gifts - specific items and dollar amounts:
• The family cabin
• Great-grandma's hope chest
• $5,000 to your alma mater
• Your collection of Roman coins
• Treasured antiques and heirlooms
• $10,000 to a favorite charity
Please
contact us
if you have a complicated gift situation (e.g., you already gave a large sum of money to one child and your other children should receive a larger inheritance to even things out).
We include a
"
Letter of Special Gifts
"
with your documents that can be used for heirlooms and items of sentimental value.
The Letter of Special Gifts
can't
be used for gifts of money, real estate, stocks & bonds, or intangibles like intellectual property/residuals.
If you're unsure whether a special gift can go in the Letter or whether the special gift must be written into your documents before you sign, please
contact us
.
Now we turn to special gifts - specific items and dollar amounts:
• The family cabin
• Great-grandma's hope chest
• $5,000 to your alma mater
• Your collection of Roman coins
• Treasured antiques and heirlooms
• $10,000 to a favorite charity
Please
contact us
if you have a complicated gift situation (e.g., you already gave a large sum of money to one child and your other children should receive a larger inheritance to even things out).
We include a
"
Letter of Special Gifts
"
with your Thoughtful Will that can be used for heirlooms and items of sentimental value.
The Letter of Special Gifts
can't
be used for gifts of money, real estate, stocks & bonds, or intangibles like intellectual property/residuals.
If you're unsure whether a special gift can go in the Letter or whether the special gift must be written into your documents before you sign, please
contact us
.
Now we turn to special gifts - specific items and dollar amounts:
• The family cabin
• Great-grandma's hope chest
• $5,000 to your alma mater
• Your collection of Roman coins
• Treasured antiques and heirlooms
• $10,000 to a favorite charity
Please
contact us
if you have a complicated gift situation (e.g., you already gave a large sum of money to one child and your other children should receive a larger inheritance to even things out).
We include a
"
Letter of Special Gifts
"
with your Thoughtful Will that can be used for heirlooms and items of sentimental value, but the Letter
is not
legally binding in your state • so if someone objects, your Executor won't be allowed to give the special gift.
Now we turn to special gifts - specific items and dollar amounts:
• The family cabin
• Great-grandma's hope chest
• $5,000 to your alma mater
• Your collection of Roman coins
• Treasured antiques and heirlooms
• $10,000 to a favorite charity
Please
contact us
if you have a complicated gift situation (e.g., you already gave a large sum of money to one child and your other children should receive a larger inheritance to even things out).
We include a
"
Letter of Special Gifts
"
with your documents that can be used for heirlooms and items of sentimental value.
The Letter of Special Gifts
can't
be used for gifts of money, real estate, stocks & bonds, or intangibles like intellectual property/residuals.
If you're unsure whether a special gift can go in the Letter or whether the special gift must be written into your documents before you sign, please
contact us
.
Now we turn to special gifts - specific items and dollar amounts:
• The family cabin
• Great-grandma's hope chest
• $5,000 to your alma mater
• Your collection of Roman coins
• Treasured antiques and heirlooms
• $10,000 to a favorite charity
Please
contact us
if you have a complicated gift situation (e.g., you already gave a large sum of money to one child and your other children should receive a larger inheritance to even things out).
We include a
"
Letter of Special Gifts
"
with your documents that can be used for heirlooms and items of sentimental value, but the Letter
is not
legally binding in your state • so if someone objects, your Executor won't be allowed to give the special gift.
Also, California has monetary limitations for the Letter of Special Gifts. You can't use the Letter for anything worth more than $5,000 - and the total value given via the Letter can't exceed $25,000.
Do you want to include one or more special gifts in your documents?
*
Yes
No
How many special gifts?
*
Three options for special gifts as they relate to your spouse/partner:
*
Option 1 -
No gifts given if your spouse/partner survives you
. This is the best option if you're leaving everything to them.
Option 2 -
All gifts given
, even if your spouse/partner survives you.
Option 3 - It
depends on the gift
. For each gift, you specify whether or not it's given if your spouse/partner survives you. This is frequently the best option for blended families if certain heirlooms are intended to go directly to a child or other blood relative.
No gifts given if they survive me
All gifts given, even if they survive me
Depends on the gift
Gift 1 - Please describe Gift 1.
*
Extra detail will help your Executor.
Examples-
• $15,000
• Grandma Baker's wedding ring (white gold with a pear-shaped diamond)
• The cabin on Long Lake, MN
• My collection of Roman coins
• My 1968 Ford Mustang
Gift 1 - Who should receive Gift 1?
*
If it's an organization, please also include their city and state.
If you list multiple people, they'll share the gift equally.
Examples -
• Samuel Langhorne Clemens
• Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer
• Alfred Dickey Public Library, Jamestown, ND
Gift 1 - If your spouse/partner survives you, should Gift 1 be given or not given?
*
Given
Not given
Please describe Gift 2:
*
Who should receive Gift 2?
*
If your spouse/partner survives you, should Gift 2 be given or not given?
*
Given
Not given
Please describe Gift 3:
*
Who should receive Gift 3?
*
If your spouse/partner survives you, should Gift 3 be given or not given?
*
Given
Not given
Please describe Gift 4:
*
Who should receive Gift 4?
*
If your spouse/partner survives you, should Gift 4 be given or not given?
*
Given
Not given
Please describe each gift and the recipient(s) of that gift.
*
If you list multiple people, they'll share the gift equally.
Examples -
• Cabin on Lake Superior - Judy Jetson and Elroy Jetson
• $5,000 - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Grandma Baker's wedding ring (white gold with a pear-shaped diamond) - Jane Jetson
• My 1968 Ford Mustang - Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN
Please describe each gift and the recipient(s) of that gift.
*
If you list multiple people, they'll share the gift equally.
Examples -
• Cabin on Lake Superior - Judy Jetson and Elroy Jetson
• $5,000 - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Grandma Baker's wedding ring (white gold with a pear-shaped diamond) - Jane Jetson
• My 1968 Ford Mustang - Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN
Please describe each gift and the recipient(s) of that gift.
*
If you list multiple people, they'll share the gift equally.
Examples -
• Cabin on Lake Superior - Judy Jetson and Elroy Jetson
• $5,000 - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Grandma Baker's wedding ring (white gold with a pear-shaped diamond) - Jane Jetson
• My 1968 Ford Mustang - Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN
Please describe each gift and the recipient(s) of that gift.
*
If you list multiple people, they'll share the gift equally.
Examples -
• Cabin on Lake Superior - Judy Jetson and Elroy Jetson - give if my spouse doesn't survive me
• $5,000 - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN - give even if my spouse survives me
• Grandma Baker's wedding ring (white gold with a pear-shaped diamond) - Jane Jetson - don't give if my partner survives me
• My 1968 Ford Mustang - Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN - give even if my partner survives me
Please be sure to indicate which gifts should/shouldn't be given if your spouse/partner survives you.
ADMININSTRATION OF YOUR ESTATE
The Executor is the chief administrator of your Estate.
They act as your personal representative and administrator of your Estate - they settle accounts, gather assets, and distribute your Estate as instructed by your documents.
The Executor is authorized to hire outside experts to help administer your Estate (e.g., appraisers, lawyers, accountants) - but we still recommend choosing someone who is organized.
The Executor is the chief administrator of your Estate.
They act as your personal representative and administrator of your Estate - they settle accounts, gather assets, and distribute your Estate as instructed by your documents.
The Executor is authorized to hire outside experts to help administer your Estate (e.g., appraisers, lawyers, accountants) - but we still recommend choosing someone who is organized.
In your Probate-Avoidance Trust, these same administrative functions are handled by your
"
Successor Trustee
"
- so whoever you choose as your Executor will also be your Successor Trustee.
Would you like your spouse/partner to serve as your Executor?
*
Yes
No
Who should serve as your Executor?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Who should serve as your backup Executor?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Would you like to choose a backup-backup Executor?
*
Yes
No
Who should serve as your backup-backup Executor?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Do you already have a Will?
*
If you're not sure or can't remember, choose "Yes".
Yes
No
Should the Thoughtful Will amend and supplement your old Will - or should it revoke and replace the old Will entirely?
*
For example -
Your old Will says
"Maggie gets my collection of Elvis plates."
Your Thoughtful Will says
"Alice gets my Heartbreak Hotel Elvis plate."
Option 1 -
Amends and supplements
- Alice gets the Heartbreak Hotel plate and Maggie gets the rest of the Elvis plate collection.
Option 2 -
Revokes and replaces
- Alice gets the Heartbreak Hotel - the other Elvis plates are distributed as part of your Estate.
Amend and supplement
Revoke and replace
This only impacts your previous Wills - if you have any other trusts, those aren't impacted.
Would you like to disinherit anyone?
*
Yes
No
Please list the people you want to disinherit.
*
Disinheriting often leads to legal challenges and litigation • provide their full legal name or other identifying information to make it clear who is disinherited. Anyone listed here will receive nothing from your Estate.
Examples -
• Adele Franklin Brooks
• My oldest son, Nathan, Jr.
• My friend Edna's daughter, Tracy Turnblad
You can penalize anyone who brings a legal action to challenge the validity of your documents - if they challenge, they inherit nothing.
*
Most states will ignore a penalty cause if the person has reasonable cause to bring a challenge.
Legal action = they get nothing
Don't penalize challenges
Would you like to write final wishes and instructions now - or wait and use the letter?
*
You can write final wishes and instructions for your Executor.
Examples -
• Religious rites for your funeral or burial/cremation
• Messages to convey to loved ones
• Legacy giving statements about charities/causes to support in your honor
• Anything else your Executor should know or should do
Similar to special gifts, we include a
"
Letter of Final Wishes and Instructions
"
where you can describe (and update) your final wishes and instructions. That letter can also be used to record details of your financial accounts and assets (which will be incredibly helpful to your Executor).
An expensive wish/instruction should be written now into the documents so there's no question about spending the money needed to fulfill your request.
Now
Wait and use the letter
Please write your final wishes and instructions here.
*
Provide as much detail as possible.
PROBATE-AVOIDANCE TRUST
Also called a revocable
"living trust"
or
"inter vivos trust"
By transferring the legal title of all your assets to the Probate-Avoidance Trust, you no longer legally "own" anything - so there's nothing to probate upon your death.
We also create a Will for you that dovetails with your individual Trust - so if you forget to transfer an asset into your Trust, the Will transfers that asset. (Fyi, that asset must go through probate.)
In addition to skipping the cost and hassle of probate, the Trust also offers greater privacy since probate is a public legal proceeding.
Naming your Trust - Two Options
Option 1 - Default naming
The default for naming your trust is to use your full name. For example, Cher's trust would be called -
•
"Cherilyn Sarkisian Living Trust"
Option 2 - Customize the names
Instead of using your own name, you can create a custom name for your Trust (this can be helpful if you're concerned about privacy). Returning to Cher, she could call her Trust -
•
"The Beat Goes On Living Trust"
, or
•
"2518 Malibu Drive Living Trust"
, or
• Any other name she wants.
How should your Trust be named?
*
Default naming
Customize
What should your Probate-Avoidance Trust be named?
*
We'll add "Living Trust" to whatever you enter here.
PROBATE-AVOIDANCE TRUSTS
Also called a revocable
"living trust"
or
"inter vivos trust"
By transferring the legal title of all your assets to the Probate-Avoidance Trust, you no longer legally "own" anything - so there's nothing to probate upon your death.
We create two individual Trusts for you and your spouse/partner. Once both of you sign, your individual trusts operate together as a joint living trust.
We also create a Will for you that dovetails with your individual Trust - so if you forget to transfer an asset into your Trust, the Will transfers that asset. (Fyi, that asset must go through probate.)
In addition to skipping the cost and hassle of probate, the Trust also offers greater privacy since probate is a public legal proceeding.
Naming your Trusts - Two Options
The default for titling your trusts uses your full names, but you can create unique Trust names (this can be helpful if you're concerned about privacy).
Option 1 - Default naming
Take Sonny and Cher, for example -
• Sonny's individual trust ---
"Salvatore Phillip Bono Living Trust"
• Cher's individual trust ---
"Cherilyn Sarkisian Living Trust"
, and
• Their joint living trust ---
"Salvatore Phillip Bono and Cherilyn Sarkisian Living Trust"
.
Option 2 - Customize the names
Returning to Sonny and Cher -
• Sonny's individual Trust ---
"The Beat Goes On Living Trust"
,
• Cher's individual Trust ---
"And The Beat Goes On Living Trust"
, and
• Their joint Trust ---
"La De Da De Da Joint Living Trust"
How should we name your Trusts?
*
Default naming
Customize
What should your individual Probate-Avoidance Trust be named?
*
We'll add "Living Trust" to whatever you enter here.
What should your spouse/partner's individual Probate-Avoidance Trust be named?
*
We'll add "Living Trust" to whatever you enter here.
And when your two Probate-Avoidance Trusts work together what should the composite be named?
*
We'll add "Joint Living Trust" to whatever you enter here.
DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY
The Durable Power of Attorney authorizes someone to handle your financial affairs (i.e., paying bills) - hugely helpful if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions. The person you authorize is your "
financial agent
".
The financial agent has complete access to your finances - so it's important to choose people you can trust to act in your best interest.
THE FINANCIAL AGENT - Independent Authority or Co-Agents Sharing Authority
Nobody ever suspects their financial agent will abuse their authority, but it happens. One way to reduce that risk is to name co-agents who must agree and work together before any changes are made. (Please keep in mind that using co-agents complicates logistics.)
Each person's circumstances are unique, so there's no right answer here. Instead, we have three options for how this can work:
Option 1 -
Each financial agent has independent authority.
Option 2: The
first person you name has independent authority
, but if they're unavailable, the
backups must work together
as co-agents.
Option 3: You
always have two co-agents
- if one of them is unavailable, the backup takes their place and must continue to work together.
Which option should we use?
*
Each agent has independent authority
First agent has independent authority (backups are co-agents)
Always co-agents
Should your spouse/partner be the financial agent?
*
Yes
No
Should your spouse/partner be the financial agent?
*
Yes
No
Should your spouse/partner be one of the financial co-agents?
*
Yes
No
Your financial agent:
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Their address:
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Their phone number:
*
The other co-agent:
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Their address:
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Their phone number:
*
The backup financial agent?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Their address:
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Their phone number:
*
And the backup co-agent?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Their address:
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Their phone number:
*
Would you like a backup-backup?
*
Yes
No
Who should be the backup-backup?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Their address:
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Their phone number:
*
HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE
The Health Care Directive has two parts: (1) authorizing someone to handle your medical affairs, and (2) creating instructions for your care and treatment.
Different states use different terms for the health care directive - some states call it a
"living will"
,
"advanced directive"
, or a
"health care power of attorney"
. We'll draft your Health Care Directive to match your state's requirements and phrasing.
PART 1 - The Health Care Agent
The person you authorize is called your "
health care agent
". If you become incapacitated and can't communicate, they can consult with your providers, access your medical records, and make health care decisions for you (based on the instructions you'll create next).
Pick someone you trust completely. It's helpful if they share similar beliefs and values, but the most important thing is choosing someone who will make decisions based on your wishes.
Please note - your health care provider can't serve as your health care agent unless they're also your spouse/partner or relative.
Should your spouse/partner be your health care agent?
*
Yes
No
Who should be your health care agent?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Their address:
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Their phone number:
*
Who should be your backup health care agent?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Their address:
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Their phone number:
*
Do you want to choose a backup-backup health care agent?
*
Yes
No
Who should be your backup-backup health care agent?
*
First
Middle (optional)
Last
Their address:
*
Street Address
Address Line 2
City
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Armed Forces Americas
Armed Forces Europe
Armed Forces Pacific
State
ZIP Code
Their phone number:
*
PART 2 - Creating Health Care Instructions
Health care instructions give guidance to your health care agent and your medical providers in the event you become incapacitated and can’t communicate. You don't have to create these instructions - but we strongly suggest you do.
1. They reduce the risk of fighting amongst your loved ones - without your input (in the form of these instructions), conflicting opinions will add stress to an already tough time.
2. Health care instructions give your health care agent peace of mind and confidence that they're making the same decisions you would have made for yourself.
Realizing these are tough topics, we wrote six multiple-choice questions that cover the essential issues your health care agent might need to know. You can choose one of our answers, you can write your own answer, or you can skip the question entirely.
1. You thoughts on medical procedures that might be painful:
*
Prolonging my life is more important to me than minimizing/avoiding pain - use all possible measures to prolong my life
It depends on the circumstances - for example, if a painful treatment might lead to recovery, go for it - if the doctor says there's a chance, I want to take it
Minimizing and avoiding pain is more important to me than prolonging my life - I don't want any invasive or painful procedures used to prolong my life
Write a custom answer
Skip this question
Please provide instructions on prolonging your life versus pain management.
*
2. Your thoughts on using a feeding tube to keep you alive:
*
Use the feeding tube as long as possible
Use the feeding tube as long as doctors say there's a chance for recovery (but only so long as that chance exists)
I don't want a feeding tube used for any length of time
Write a custom answer
Skip this question
Please provide instructions relating to use of a feeding tube.
*
3. Your thoughts on using assisted breathing to keep you alive:
*
Use assisted breathing as long as possible
Use assisted breathing as long as doctors say there's a chance for recovery (but only so long as that chance exists)
I don't want assisted breathing for any length of time
Write a custom answer
Skip this question
Please provide instructions relating to assisted breathing.
*
4. Your thoughts on CPR and other resuscitation methods:
*
Always use CPR/resuscitation
Always use CPR/resuscitation unless I'm terminally ill and unlikely to recover, in which case only use medication to reduce pain
Never use CPR/resuscitation, instead only use medication to reduce pain
Write a custom answer
Skip this question
Please provide instructions regarding CPR and other resuscitation methods.
*
5. Your thoughts on organ donation:
*
Examples of organs and tissues that can be donated: bones, eyes, heart and heart valves, kidney, liver, lungs, and skin.
I want to donate any organs and tissues that could help others
I want to donate specific organs/tissues (next you'll list which ones)
I don't want to donate any part of my body
Skip this question
Please list the organs and/or tissues that can be donated:
*
6. Your thoughts on how pregnancy should affect your health care:
*
Should we make instructions that would apply if you're incapacitated and can't communicate during a future pregnancy?
No/Not applicable
Yes, make instructions related to pregnancy
Which of these best captures your thoughts?
*
Prioritize my baby's care over mine, even if it means I might not survive
Consider my care and my baby's care equally - if needed, keep me on life-support until my child's birth
Prioritize my care over my baby's care, even if it means ending my pregnancy
Write a custom answer
Skip this question
Please provide instructions regarding pregnancy.
*
Do you have other health care rules or thoughts to add?
*
Examples -
• I want to be treated at ________ Hospital.
• I don't want to be in a nursing home under any circumstances.
• I want to donate my body to science.
Yes
No
Please write those instructions or thoughts here:
*
Is there anything else?
We've reached the end of the interview!
Do you have any final thoughts, questions, or worries?
*
Yes
Nope, I'm good
Please write your thoughts, questions, and/or worries here:
*
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