When it comes to estate planning, there is no crystal ball.

No matter how hard we try, there is no way to predict the future.

Then why bother with estate planning at all, right? Respectfully, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Everything you need to know about scheduling, preparing for, and getting the most out of an estate planning strategy session with Addie Prewitt Law.

An estate plan is way more than a will.  

When many people think about estate planning, they think about a will.

While speaking to new clients,  I’ve learned that many people seem surprised that an estate plan is actually a collection of legal documents that work together to effectively transfer your property to the next generation.

One of my biggest goals as an estate planning lawyer is to make sure that my clients understand what they are signing.

I don’t expect them to know it well enough to write a dissertation on it. That’s my job, after all. But I want my clients to feel ownership over these documents. I want them to feel confident in their decisions.

Should I include funeral instructions in my estate plan?

I often see “funerary instructions” as something to include in your will or as part of the documentation that resides in a safety deposit box. 

Due to the potential expense involved in most funeral arrangements, I strongly suggest setting some time aside to get your game plan in order.  Not only will this put your mind at ease, but it will also alleviate the stress of your loved ones and potentially save you, your family, and your estate, thousands of dollars. 

Last year, I made a pact with myself to get back in touch with one of my oldest hobbies: reading. Last last year, I posted my reading list from 2022. I got such a wonderful response from that blog and was so grateful to share in the book-club-style discussions that followed over recent weeks.

I find that many of us had similar relationships with reading. And, that many of us wanted to return to a thriving reading habit sooner rather than later.

I know I’m not alone in wanting to prioritize habits that don’t involve my phone or a screen.

This got me thinking about my estate planning practice.

In my practice as a Louisiana estate planning lawyer, I collaborate with forward-thinking professionals on ways to pass their values and prosperity to the next generation.

My estate planning services provide a complete protection plan for your family.

I know you’d do whatever it took to make sure your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone.

But, how much do you know about what the process actually looks like?

My biggest epiphany this year: read more books!

I can hear past Addie now: “Who has time for that, though?”

The changes have been noticeable in the 6 months that I’ve started reading more.  I’m thinking more clearly, my thoughts feel less jumbled, and I’m able to articulate my thoughts much easier. For me, it turns out that spending 200-300 pages engrossed in a world or idea is way more relaxing than swiping through articles on my phone (- go figure!). 

Hiring an Estate Planning attorney can be a daunting task for everyone, even for experienced lawyers like me! I’m going to give you my top helpful tips for what to expect when you're working with an Estate Planning lawyer. Last year, I had the experience of hiring a lawyer for some matters beyond the scope of my practice. It was fascinating being on the other side of the legal desk because it gave me insight into an experience not many people have on a regular basis. I am grateful to know what it’s like to be both an attorney and a client, and think it’s important to share my insights with you!