From first call to signed plan in four steps.
Attorney Cynthia Lee, practicing since 2001, designs and reviews every plan, and our team guides you from your first call to your final signature. Here is how it works, and what to have ready.
A member of our staff will call you to learn about your needs, explain our fees, and schedule your appointment.
Step 1Gather your information
Our team sends a simple questionnaire and organizes your family, property and account details before we meet.
Joey, our Legal Assistant, is usually your first contact. She sends the questionnaire, organizes your file before your first appointment and helps with scheduling and paperwork, in English, Cantonese or Mandarin.
What to bring- Any existing will, trust or amendments
- Deeds or addresses for real estate you own
- A list or recent statements of bank, brokerage and retirement accounts
- Life insurance policies and beneficiary designations
- Names of the people you would choose as trustee, guardian and agents
Step 2Design consultation
We meet, usually by Zoom, to design your plan: who receives what, who is in charge and how to protect your children.
This is where the decisions are made. Bring the questions you have been carrying. With your permission, loved ones can join the conversation, and we also make time to speak with you privately. Meetings are usually by Zoom, or at our San Jose or San Francisco office.
Step 3Review your documents
Your completed plan is prepared from our design meeting and sent to you to read before signing day, along with a plain-English summary of how it works.
Step 4Sign & fund your plan
We guide you through signing with the witnesses and/or notary appropriate to each document, then explain how to place the right assets in your trust. For clients who prefer the convenience of our assistance, California deed preparation and recording services are available for a separate fee.
Signings take place by appointment at our San Jose or San Francisco office. If you would like our office to prepare and coordinate the recording of your California deeds, we explain the scope and cost before you decide how you would like to proceed.
Keeping your plan working
Your plan comes with guidance on funding your trust and coordinating beneficiary designations. Keep your original documents somewhere safe, and let your successor trustee know where to find them. As your family, property or wishes change, we welcome the opportunity to review the plan with you.
Keeping your plan current →About meetings
Can we meet by Zoom?
Yes, and most clients prefer it. Consultations and planning meetings are usually held by Zoom. Signings take place at our San Jose or San Francisco office.
Can we meet in Cantonese or Mandarin?
Yes. Cynthia meets with clients in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. Documents and written correspondence are in English.
Can my children attend my planning meeting?
With your permission, involving loved ones can help them understand your wishes and their future responsibilities. We can discuss the appropriate arrangements and also make time to speak with you privately.
Your employer’s legal plan may provide benefits toward estate planning services. We can help identify the services to review with your plan provider; coverage and any client responsibility depend on your benefits and the work involved.
- MetLife Legal Plans
- ARAG
- LegalEase
- Exemplar Legal
Start with a conversation.
Meetings are by appointment, weekdays 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, by Zoom or at our offices. Call 888.380.2288 or 415.693.8882, or request a time online. Consultations in English, Cantonese or Mandarin.