What to Expect in the First Meeting With Your Estate Planning Attorney in Florida?

The first meeting with your estate planning attorney is an important step in the estate planning process. By the end of the meeting, you and your lawyer should understand your financial goals and which estate planning tools you’ll need to achieve those objectives. Coming prepared and understanding what to expect in the first meeting with your estate planning attorney in Florida can help you make the most out of your initial consultation.

Consultations Versus First Meetings

Estate planning attorneys and lawyers in general differentiate between initial consultations, which are often free, and first meetings between clients and attorneys. While a consultation affords the opportunity to learn about your attorney and what they offer, the subsequent meeting is intended to start the process of planning your estate.

During your initial consultation, your focus should be on asking questions that can determine whether you want that lawyer to represent you in estate-related matters. Once you agree to work with them, your first meeting as a client will be more focused. The attorney is there to serve your needs, and it can help to confirm over the phone or by email what the focus of the meeting will be so that you come prepared with the documents you need.

What to Bring to Your First Estate Planning Meeting?

As you prepare for your first meeting with your estate planning attorney, don’t forget to ask them what you should bring. If the objective is to get to know your goals and explain your options, you may not need to bring financial records to your first meeting. In some cases, your attorney may want you to bring certain types of documentation so they can review them in person.

You may be asked to bring a list of your assets, including bank accounts, real estate, and retirement funds, along with any debts or liabilities. Documentation such as deeds, insurance policies, and recent tax returns can also be helpful.

If you have already set up certain estate planning tools, bring originals or copies of those documents as well. Your estate planning attorney may also want a full list of your family members and beneficiaries, along with the contact information. In the event of the unexpected, it is important that your estate planning lawyer has contact information for those close to you.

Planning ahead is especially important in Florida, where long-term care costs continue to rise. In 2025, the average private-pay daily rate for nursing homes is about $349.96. Estate planning meetings can focus on your long-term care needs. Much of Florida has a sizable senior population in need of proper estate planning. With nearly 29.25% of Sarasota’s population aged 65 or older, for example, careful preparation helps ensure financial stability for locals.

What Goals Can You Achieve During Your First Meeting?

The decision to hire an estate planning attorney connects you to a Florida estate planning lawyer who does more than draft legal documents. An attorney with experience handling estate planning cases understands the needs of the clients and what types of estate planning tools prospective clients may need and not realize it.

Florida’s estate planning laws require documents to be methodically formatted and worded in order for them to be enforceable in court. When you go to your first meeting with your attorney, you should come with certain goals in mind. One of the most important objectives you can achieve is to learn what types of financial tools you can benefit from.

Rely on your attorney’s years of experience and learn from their years of helping clients protect their estate and manage assets during their lifetime.

FAQs About Estate Planning Meeting

How Do I Prepare for My First Meeting With a Lawyer?

You can prepare for your first meeting by checking with your estate planning attorney to see what they typically need from you during your initial meeting. Some attorneys may use that time to explain your estate planning options and answer questions that you may have, while other attorneys may be ready to get down to business by drafting estate planning tools soon after your meeting.

What Is the First Step in the Estate Planning Process?

The first step in the estate planning process involves explaining your goals to your attorney and learning about your estate planning options. If you already know which estate planning tools you are most likely to use, your attorney can focus the conversation on more specific aspects of trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning tools.

How Do I Interview an Estate Planning Attorney?

If you are looking for an estate planning attorney, you can come to your initial consultation with questions. Inquire into their years of experience and approach to estate planning. You can ask if they follow a general philosophy on estate planning matters. You can also ask if they frequently handle cases that resemble your estate.

What Is the Average Cost of Estate Planning in Florida?

The cost of estate planning in Florida depends on the complexity of your situation. Factors such as whether you only need a will or a full plan with trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives all play a role. Costs also vary depending on the lawyer’s experience, the size of your estate, and whether you require advanced Medicaid or tax planning.

Let the Law Office of Douglas A. Oberdorfer, P.A. Help You Plan for the Future

Your first meeting with an estate planning attorney can mark the beginning of an important financial planning journey. By coming prepared with information and questions, you can make the most out of your meeting and ensure that your attorney gains a better idea of your goals and priorities. From there, they can begin drafting and reviewing important legal documents that will stand up in court.

At the Law Office of Douglas A. Oberdorfer, P.A., we help Florida families create trusts and other estate planning tools that reflect their needs. We take the time to listen to our clients so we can ensure that our work fully aligns with their priorities. Contact our office today to begin planning with confidence.