What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any legal documents you already have. For estate planning, a general idea of what you own also helps. What else to bring depends on why you’re coming: estate planning, probate, or a business matter. You don’t need everything, and we can fill the gaps together. This checklist works for meetings in Colorado, Arizona, and California.
- Reviewed by
- Daniel R. Klein, attorney
- Last reviewed
This checklist is general information about Colorado, Arizona, and California law as of . It is not legal advice.
Print this page and check the boxes by hand. Nothing on this page is saved or sent.
Do you need to bring everything on this list?
No. This list is here to help you, not to test you. Bring what you can find easily. Even a few notes on a sheet of paper help a lot.
If you are coming because a loved one has died, the most useful items are the death certificate, the will, and any court documents. If you don’t have them yet, we can help you get them.
What should you not email us?
Please don’t email private documents, like account statements or medical records. We’ll tell you how to share them safely.
Please also don’t put Social Security numbers, account numbers, or passwords in an email or in our website form. Bring documents to your meeting instead, or ask us how to send them safely.
What helps on the day of your meeting?
- Your reading glasses or hearing aids, if you use them.
- A pen and this printed list.
- Extra time. There is no rush.
Before you print
- Print it. Use your browser’s Print command, or the Print button on this page.
- Check the boxes by hand. Nothing on this page is saved or sent anywhere.
- Write notes in the margins. Jot down questions as they come to you.
- Bring it with you. We’ll go through it together.
Estate Planning
- Any estate planning documents you already have, such as a will, a trust, powers of attorney, or medical directives. Bring any changes you signed later, too, even if the documents are old or from another state.
- Names of the important people in your life, and anyone you’d like to name as a helper.
- A general idea of what you own, like your home, bank and retirement accounts, life insurance, or a business. Values help, but aren’t required. No account numbers needed.
Probate
- The death certificate. Starting a new probate? We can help you obtain this document.
- The last will and testament, if there is one. Bring the original if you have it.
- Any court documents you’ve already received.
Business Law
- Your business’s formation documents, such as its articles of organization or incorporation.
- Your operating agreement, bylaws, or partnership agreement.
- Contracts you already have, such as leases or agreements with partners, customers, or suppliers.
- The names of all the owners, and how much of the business each one owns.
Questions you might ask us
You may want to write your own questions on this list. Here are some that people often ask:
- Is a will enough for me, or should I think about a living trust?
- What happens if I can’t make my own decisions someday?
- Do I need to do anything about property in another state?
- How do your fees work, and what is included?
- What will I need to do, and how long will it take?
- Who will I work with, and how do I reach them?
Questions people ask
What if I can’t find some of these documents?
Come anyway. Many people start with only part of the list. We can tell you which documents matter most, and help you track down the rest.
Can I bring a family member with me?
Yes. Many people bring a spouse or an adult child. We may ask to speak with you alone for part of the meeting. That helps make sure the plan reflects your own wishes.
Should I bring passwords to my online accounts?
No. Please don’t write down or bring passwords. Just tell us what kinds of online accounts you have. We’ll talk about safe ways to plan for them.
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To request a consultation, call 720-806-2069 or visit kleinestatelaw.com/contact/
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