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Estate Plan Delivery Meeting: What to Expect When You Sign Your Estate Planning Documents | Repair The Roof Podcast
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This conversation provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect during an estate planning delivery meeting. Attorney Ted Gudorf explains the importance of this meeting, the steps involved in reviewing and signing legal documents, and the critical process of funding a trust. Listeners will gain confidence in navigating their estate planning journey and understand the significance of each document and step in the process.
Unlocking Peace of Mind: What Really Happens at Your Estate Plan Delivery Meeting
Your estate plan is only as powerful as its delivery. Here’s why this final step is too important to miss—and how to make the most of it.
Most people approach their estate plan delivery meeting with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
You've spent hours answering questions, making personal decisions, and planning for the future. And now, you’re about to sign the legal documents that bring it all to life. It’s natural to feel nervous—this is where the rubber meets the road.
Key Takeaways:
- Most people feel overwhelmed about estate planning meetings.
- The delivery meeting is crucial for implementing your estate plan.
- Showing up on time for the delivery meeting is essential.
- A diagram outlines the structure of your estate plan.
- Legal documents are organized for clarity and understanding.
- Trust documents are the most important pieces of your plan.
- A pour-over will serves as a backup document.
- The funding process begins on the day you sign your trust.
- Regular contact with the office is part of the Legacy Club membership.
- Proper funding of your trust is key to an effective estate plan.
But here’s the truth: the delivery meeting is not just another appointment. It’s the moment your legacy becomes real.
Whether you're planning to attend soon or simply curious about the process, here’s what you need to know—plus two critical reasons why being prepared makes all the difference.
Why This Meeting Is a Milestone—Not a Formality
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. You’ve already completed three major milestones in the Family Estate and Legacy program:
- ✅ Submitted your client organizer
- ✅ Attended the Goals and Responsibilities meeting
- ✅ Finalized the design of your custom estate plan
Now you’re at Step 4: the delivery meeting—the turning point where all your thoughtful planning is transformed into legally binding protection for your family.
But here’s the key insight:
Your estate plan isn't fully effective until it’s signed, notarized, and funded. Without that, it’s just a well-crafted blueprint gathering dust.
What to Expect When You Walk Through the Door
This isn't a cold, high-pressure legal formality. It's an organized, supportive, step-by-step walkthrough that ensures you're comfortable with everything before you sign.
Here's a breakdown of what happens:
1. We Start with the Big Picture
You’ll receive a one-page visual diagram outlining the entire structure of your estate plan. This reference sheet is more than a visual aid—it becomes your go-to guide for future reviews and family discussions.
The diagram clearly identifies:
- The name of your trust(s)
- Who serves as trustee(s)
- Your beneficiaries and remainder beneficiaries
- Any special structures like LLCs or irrevocable trusts
This sheet sets the stage for understanding the "why" behind every document you'll review.
2. Custom Binders—Built Just for You
We present your personalized estate planning binders—complete with labeled tabs and sections. This structure isn't just for aesthetics; it helps ensure nothing is missed and that your plan remains easy to manage over time.
3. Your Legal Documents, Explained
You don’t need to read every line. That’s what we’re here for.
We walk you through the critical highlights of each document, including:
- Revocable Living Trusts: Who created it, who benefits, and who manages it
- Pour-Over Will: The backup plan for any assets left outside the trust
- Personal Effects Memorandum: Where you designate meaningful personal items
- Power of Attorney (Financial & Medical): Who can make decisions if you can’t
- Living Will & HIPAA Release: Guidance for end-of-life care and access to records
- Funeral & Burial Preferences: Optional, but helpful for loved ones during a difficult time
Each section is explained in plain English, not legalese—thanks to software from WealthCounsel, a national organization of estate attorneys. These documents are formatted for clarity, with readable type and clean organization.
Two Unique Features That Set This Process Apart
Most law firms stop at the signing. We go further, ensuring your plan is ready for real life.
? 1. Immediate Funding Begins—That Same Day
We don’t just hand you documents and wish you luck. We begin the funding process right in the meeting by:
- Signing deeds to move real estate into your trust or LLC
- Executing a property assignment to transfer your personal belongings into the trust
Why this matters:
A trust without assets is an empty shell. Funding your trust is what gives it power.
? 2. Access to the Legacy Club
Your plan doesn’t end with a signature. You’ll receive one year of complimentary Legacy Club membership, including:
- Email, phone, or in-person access for estate planning questions
- Coordination with your financial or tax advisors
- Ongoing support for asset funding and plan updates
This ensures your estate plan evolves with your life—not against it.
Logistics You Should Know (So There Are No Surprises)
- Duration: Most meetings last under 2 hours. More complex plans may take up to 3.
- Payment: Your final balance is due at the end—bring a checkbook or credit card.
- Copies: You’ll take the original documents home. We scan digital versions into your private client portal.
- Workshop Invite: Before you leave, we’ll register you for our Asset Alignment Workshop—a vital session on funding your trust properly, offered six times a year.
Why Preparation Is Everything
Because your documents are printed and assembled for your exact appointment date, it’s essential to:
- Arrive on time
- Avoid rescheduling unless absolutely necessary
Delays can disrupt the review process and lead to extra time or cost—especially when legal deeds and funding steps are involved.
What Comes Next
You’ve completed step 4 in our Seven-Step Family Estate and Legacy Program. After your delivery meeting, we’ll help you:
- Coordinate with financial advisors
- Attend the Asset Alignment Workshop
- Schedule ongoing maintenance or a family meeting
This phased approach makes estate planning a living process—not a one-time transaction.
Your Next Step
Your plan is only as powerful as your follow-through.
This is where your estate plan becomes real protection—not just paperwork.
Conclusion
Your estate plan delivery meeting is far more than a signature session—it’s the moment you lock in control, protection, and peace of mind for your family’s future.
By knowing what to expect, showing up prepared, and taking that next step toward funding your plan, you're turning intention into action.
And that’s where your legacy truly begins.