Interested in creating a Will? We are here to help. Follow the steps below to get started.
Step 1: Read through our Wills & Estate Planning: The Basics page. This page will provide you with foundational information on wills and estate planning along with Frequently Asked Questions and Informational Videos.
Step 2: Fill out and submit the Future Planning Intake Form. This form is used to help our team get a better understanding of your assets and wishes in respect to your estate. Remember that while you are completing the Future Planning Intake Form, you may refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page if you have any concerns. If you download the Intake Form, you can submit it here. If you complete the Intake Form Online, then it is automatically submitted upon completion! Our team will then review your intake form and reach out to set up a one-on-one meeting.
Step 3 (Optional): Attend one of our Wills 101 Webinars. During the Webinar, you will be able to interact virtually with our team and ask questions about the intake form or otherwise.
Step 4: Schedule a one-on-one meeting with our team. During this meeting we will review and sign a limited scope retainer agreement. This agreement simply means that our legal assistance is limited to helping prepare and execute your will, speak in depth about your wishes, and answer any questions you may have. At the end we will provide you with next steps.
Step 5: After your one-on-one meeting, our team will draft the appropriate documents and send them to you for review. If you would like to make any changes, please let us know and we will edit the documents accordingly.
Step 6: We will send you the final documents. You will then come into our office to execute (sign) the documents. Please rest assured that we are currently adhering to all CDC and NY State guidelines to maintain a clean and safe environment for all. If you are unable to come to our office, you may arrange for an execution ceremony on your own with two non-beneficiary witnesses and a notary public. However, note that if you choose to execute your documents elsewhere, you may be charged a fee, whereas all of our services are completely free.
Step 7: After execution, if you are in Erie County, we strongly encourage you to file it in the Erie County Surrogate’s Court for safekeeping (for free). If needed, someone from our team would be happy to file your will after execution, though filing is completely optional and you may keep your Will at home instead. We recommend a fireproof lockbox. Our office does not keep original wills on file.