Monmouth County Estate Planning, Elder Law, Taxation Lawyer
Our practice consists of providing a valuable, personalized service for every client. We listen to each client to determine what their goals are and how to best accomplish these goals. Every client is different. We get clients to consider things they may not have thought of. Our advice is based on extensive knowledge and experience in this area. Estate planning, estate administration, and elder law are the core of the firm’s practice, not a side service. Our principal attorney, Margaret Mahon, has an LLM in taxation with a specialty in estate planning. She is part of a nationwide network of estate planning professionals through Wealth Counsel and consistently participates in continuing legal education courses to estate abreast of changes in this complex area.
At Margaret M. Mahon, Esq. LLC, we have found that most individuals know that they should create an estate plan, but put it off for a variety of reasons, including discomfort in thinking about death or disability, busy schedules, and difficulty in making decisions such as who to name as guardian of their children. None of these things should prevent you from moving forward. We find that our clients, who may have previously delayed, feel a great sense of relief knowing that they have completed this planning. You should also bear in mind that these documents may always be amended.
The Process:
Prior to the first meeting, we request that a questionnaire is completed so that we have relevant information in advance to assess your situation, advise you, and, finally, prepare your documents.
At our first meeting, we will discuss your situation, goals, and concerns. we will answer any questions you may have. We will also discuss the fee. Assuming you retain the firm, we will draft a very detailed letter outlining our discussion. You will be advised of decisions you need to make or further questions we may have for you. This letter is essential largely because the areas of estate planning and elder (Medicaid) planning are inherently complex and difficult to understand. You are given a great deal of information at once so that you are informed about the decisions you are making and this helps confirm your decisions. Sometimes we will forward the draft documents along with this initial letter or wait until after a second meeting.
A second meeting will be held to discuss the plan further and so that we may assist you in making any final decisions and answer any further questions you may have. Many clients prefer to accomplish this via e-mail or telephone, which is perfectly acceptable. The final draft documents will then be forwarded to you for review.
At the final meeting, you will come to the office to sign your documents once any amendments are made.