Welcome to the Estate Planning Intake Questionnaire
You’re taking an important step toward protecting your family, your assets, and your wishes. This questionnaire is designed to make the estate planning process simple and straightforward.
Please complete the form carefully, as your responses will be used to prepare your legal documents exactly as provided. Most clients complete the questionnaire in approximately 20–30 minutes.
A few important things to keep in mind:
• Please complete the form in one sitting, as your progress may not save• Double-check all names, dates, and spellings before submitting• Once your questionnaire and payment are received, our team will begin preparing your documents
After submission, you will receive the next steps regarding document preparation and attorney review options, if applicable.
Let's begin with a few quick questions.
WHO REFERRED YOU TO US?
Please provide the full name of the person who referred you to us.
We’ll start with some basic information about you.
Please provide your spouse’s information below.
Please select the type of trust you would like to set up
Individual Trust
A trust created for one individual only, even if married.
Joint Trust (Most Common)
One shared trust typically used by married couples with combined planning.
Two Separate Reciprocal Trusts
Two separate trusts, usually used by couples who prefer to keep planning, assets, or distributions separate while coordinating together.
Please list any children that you and your current spouse share together.
If you are single, please list your children here as well.
Use the following format:
Example:
Karry Ann Johnson (Female) – 12/10/1972
Terry Johnson (Male) – 10/15/1980
Please make sure names are spelled consistently throughout the questionnaire.
If this section does not apply, type:
N/A
Please list any children from prior marriages or relationships belonging to either you or your current spouse.
For each child, please indicate:
• whether the child is yours or your spouse’s
• and whether from a prior marriage or relationship
Examples:
Daughter of John Smith from prior marriage
Thomas Jacob Johnson (Male) – 01/15/1996
Son of spouse Mary Smith from prior relationship
List any children who have passed away. If applicable.
This section is for any child or beneficiary with special needs who receives or may receive government benefits (SSI, Medi-Cal, etc.).
If yes, please provide the following otherwise just click next:
1. Full Name of Special Needs Individual
2. Date of Birth
3. Diagnosis or condition (if known)
4. Are they currently receiving SSI, Medi-Cal, or other government benefits?
5. Person, you want managing money for them (Trustee) 6. Anything else we should know about their care
This section is for indicating if you wish to leave any of your children out of your estate plan.
This section only applies if you have children under the age of 18.
Please name the individual(s) you would like to serve as guardian of your minor child(ren) in the event something happens to you (and your spouse, if applicable).
You may name:
A minimum of one (1) guardian, A maximum of two (2) guardians, listed in order
1st John Smith 2nd Terri Johnson
If naming couples:
1st John and Terri Jacobs
2nd Gary and Tina Riley
This section is where you will choose the name of your trust.
Preferred name of your trust (example: The Johnson Family Trust). Most people use their family name, but you may choose any name as long as it begins with the word “The.”
The trustee manages and administers the trust and trust assets.
If you are married, you and your spouse are the initial trustees. When the first spouse passes, the surviving spouse becomes the sole trustee. After the surviving spouse passes, the successor trustee is responsible for administering the trust and distributing the assets.
Use this section to name the person or persons you want to serve as successor trustee.
One person Up to three people in order of priority Or multiple people to serve together as co-successor trustees
Jessica Smith – First, Jason Smith – Second, John Smith – Third
OR
Jessica Smith, Jason Smith, and John Smith as Co-Successor Trustees
Important:
Anyone named must be at least 18 years old
Do not name more than three people
Do not list yourself or your spouse (this is automatic) You must name at least one person who is not your spouse
Executors have similar duties as successor trustees
Name of Executor(s) for Your Pour-Over Will:
A pour-over will ensures that any assets not titled in the name of your trust at the time of your death are transferred and administered according to your trust.
If you are married, your spouse is typically your initial executor. You should name at least one alternate executor in case your spouse is unable to serve.
Executors have similar responsibilities to successor trustees, so many clients choose to name the same individuals in the same order.
If the same people apply, you may simply write: Same If different, please list each person and the order you want them to serve
Example:Jessica Smith – First, Jason Smith – Second, John Smith – Third
Anyone named must be at least 18 years old Do not name more than three people Do not list yourself or your spouse (this is automatic) You must name at least one person who is not your spouse
Retirement Accounts
Who Receives Your Estate
Most clients keep their plan simple by dividing their entire estate by percentage rather than assigning specific assets to specific people. This allows your trustee to divide everything fairly based on values at the time of death, not in today's dollar values.
Please list the people you want to receive your estate and the percentage each person should receive. The total must equal 100%.
Example:John Smith (Son) – 50%Jane Smith (Daughter) – 50%
If you do not have children, you may list anyone you choose. Please include:
Full legal name Relationship to you Percentage they should receive: John Davis (Brother) -100%
Important: Do not list personal items or specific gifts here (cars, jewelry, etc.). You will have a separate section in your documents for specific gifts.
Financial Decision Maker
Agent(s) Under Your Durable Power of Attorney (If you are incapacitated and unable to manage your financial affairs, but still alive such that a will or trust does not yet take effect, a financial power of attorney provides for someone to manage your financial affairs and pay bills during your incapacitation. For most, their spouse serves as the initial agent, but at least one alternate agent should be named if your spouse is unable to serve.
John Smith - First, Jessica Smith - Second
John Smith and Jessica Smith as Co-Agents
NOTE: Often people name the same people who were named as successor trustees/executors. Your children need to be 18+ years of age to be named. Please no more than three people named. Also, do not put your name or your spouses name down as that is automatic. (see above).
Healthcare Decision Maker
Agent(s) Under Health Care Directive plus HIPAA Waiver. (An advanced healthcare directive is similar to a durable power of attorney except it relates to decisions affecting your healthcare and end-of-life decisions while you are incapacitated). Your spouse will typically serve as your initial agent, but alternate agents should be named if your spouse cannot serve.
John Smith - First, Jessica Smith Second
NOTE: Often, people name the same people in the same order who were named as successor trustees/executors/Power of Attorney. Your children need to be 18+ years of age to be named. Please no more than three people named. Again, do not put your name or your spouse's name down, as that is automatic. (see above).
Please list all real property you own, whether owned free and clear or with a mortgage.
Please list the addresses of ALL real property you own, whether you own it outright or still carry a mortgage. Example Answer: 1234 Adams Street, San Marcos, Ca. 92078. If you don't own any property, type N/A. Finally, if you are a widow(er) and have not filed an affidavit of death and changed your deed yet, you will need to send us a copy of your partner's death certificate. Additional fees will apply.
Thank you — you’re all set.
Here’s what happens next:
We review your submission
Your documents are prepared
You’ll receive next steps, including attorney review if applicable
Important reminders:
Please watch your email for updates
You will need to contact financial institutions to fund your trust
We do not store original signed documents
Keep your documents in a safe place
If you have questions, please contact the person you are working with directly.
You’ve just taken a big step in protecting your family.
Legal document preparers are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. If legal advice is required, you should consult with a licensed attorney.