FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our services, processes, and approach to estate and business planning.
Understanding our process
Frequently Asked Questions
Estate and business planning can feel overwhelming, especially when legal processes seem opaque or unpredictable.
We’ve compiled answers to the questions we hear most often from clients and advisors. Whether you’re wondering about our process, pricing, or what makes our firm different, you’ll find straightforward information here.
If your question isn’t covered, we welcome you to reach out—we’re always happy to have a conversation about how we can help.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Common Questions About Our Process
Clear, predictable fees from the start.
We use fixed-fee pricing for all our services, which means you'll know exactly what your legal work will cost before we begin.
After your initial consultation, we'll provide a comprehensive quote based on your specific needs. This eliminates the anxiety of hourly billing and allows for open communication without watching the clock.
Our ongoing Dynamic Planning engagements include regular reviews and advisory access—all covered in your annual fee.
Integrated planning for business owners and high-net-worth families.
Most estate planning firms focus solely on documents—drafting wills and trusts as one-time transactions. We take a different approach.
Our Dynamic Planning methodology treats legal planning as an ongoing relationship, not a single event. We specialize in clients whose personal wealth is tied to their business, providing integrated counsel that addresses both estate and corporate needs.
We collaborate closely with your existing advisors, use technology to streamline processes, and build in regular reviews to ensure your plan evolves with your life.
Typically 4-8 weeks from start to completion.
Our structured process usually takes between four and eight weeks, depending on complexity. After your initial consultation and engagement, we move through strategic design, presentation of recommendations, document preparation, and final signing.
For estate plans, trust documents are typically prepared within four weeks of design approval.
Business succession planning may require additional time for entity restructuring or coordination with your financial team.
Throughout the process, we maintain clear timelines and regular communication so you always know what to expect next.
A will alone may not be sufficient for business owners.
A will is a meaningful first step, but it may not be enough on its own.
Wills go through probate, which can be a lengthy and public process. They also don't address lifetime planning needs like incapacity or tax considerations.
A revocable living trust, on the other hand, can allow your assets to pass to your loved ones without court involvement, provide built-in protections if you become unable to manage your affairs, and give you greater control over how and when your wishes are carried out.
If your will is more than a few years old, it may also no longer reflect current laws or your current circumstances.
We're happy to review your existing documents and help you understand whether your plan is still doing what you need it to do.
A collaborative conversation about your goals and priorities.
Your initial consultation is an opportunity for us to understand your situation and for you to determine if we're the right fit.
We'll discuss your family structure, business interests, assets, and planning goals. There's no pressure—this is a conversation, not a sales pitch.
We'll explain how our process works, answer your questions, and if it makes sense to move forward, provide you with a fixed-fee proposal.
Many clients also choose to bring their CPA or wealth advisor to this meeting, which we welcome and encourage.
Regular touchpoints ensure your plan stays current.
Our Dynamic Planning approach includes ongoing engagement. Most clients meet with us annually or quarterly, depending on their needs and the complexity of their situation. These meetings allow us to review changes in your life, business, or tax law that might affect your plan.
You also have year-round access to reach out with questions or concerns. We coordinate with your other advisors during these reviews to ensure all aspects of your financial and legal strategy remain aligned.
We primarily serve Georgia clients, but can coordinate multi-state planning.
Our practice is based in Georgia, and we are licensed in both Georgia and Florida. For clients with assets, properties, or business interests in other states, we coordinate with trusted local counsel in those jurisdictions to ensure everything is handled properly.
If you're located outside of Georgia but have significant ties to the state, or if you have Florida-based planning or probate needs, we'd be happy to discuss how we can help.
Come prepared, but don't let paperwork delay the conversation.
Before your first meeting, our client concierge will help you complete our DecisionVault Client Organizer, which gathers essential information about your family, assets, and goals.
If you have existing estate planning documents, business agreements, or recent financial statements, those are helpful to bring.
However, don't let the search for documentation delay scheduling your consultation—we can work with what you have and gather additional information as needed throughout the process.
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