Initial Meeting with Estate Planning Clients
The initial meeting is probably the most important meeting of all. When you come to this meeting, you do not know me and I know very little about you. This gives us both the opportunity to learn about each other and to determine if you want me to be your attorney and if I want you to be a client of mine (yes, I have told prospects that I think another attorney would better suit their needs, but not too many).
What to expect
Calling to make the appointment
When you call to make the appointment we will discuss some initial ideas and what you expect to achieve. We devote a significant amount of time to the initial consultation. Please all a little extra "cushion" time and try not to schedule anything urgent directly afterwards. We typically schedule one and one-half hour for the initial consultation, although they have lasted from twenty minutes to over three hours, depending on what needs to be covered.
We also ask that if you are married or have a life partner, the two of you attend the initial consultation. Although this may not always be possible, it does save you and us significant time. We will also send you some forms which will give us some very basic information about you.
When you first arrive
When you first arrive at our office, you will be greeted and introduced to some or all of our staff. We will then offer you your choice of beverages and show you to my office. We schedule all appointments so you do not have to wait in the waiting room, as you are the most important thing on our schedule.
During the meeting
The meeting will be with just you and me, Bill Cutchin. My main contribution to this first meeting is to listen to you: Why are you here? What do you want to accomplish? What special needs and situations do you have? What questions and preconceptions do you have?
When you are finished talking, we will discuss the different ways to meet your needs. I see my job as presenting you with different alternatives and to give you my recommendation of what I think is best for you. I will also explain the investment you will have in the form of my fee.
We welcome any questions you might have during this meeting. You may then decide what steps we take next.