Estate Planning: Confidence for Generations

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who should consider estate planning?

  At Gilbert & Cook, we believe everyone needs an estate plan, unless you would prefer the government make decisions for you, which most people don’t.

• What is Gilbert & Cook’s approach to estate planning?

  Estate planning is essential, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll work to understand your abundance priorities, focusing on what’s most important to you. We start at the end and work backward, exploring how we can support the future view in the current situation, while building a genuine relationship along the way.

  Each year, we review estate roles, responsibilities and distributions to help you answer questions such as:

  • Is this the person you want in this role (e.g., financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, executor, trustee)? Will this person make decisions in your best interest or theirs?
  • Do you still want this person to receive X% of your estate?
  • Do you need to create or update a will? A trust? What are you trying to accomplish?
  • How important is philanthropy? Would you like part of your legacy to support a charity or community cause?

   

  We listen generously to understand your family and relationship dynamics.

• How does Gilbert & Cook simplify estate planning?

  Estate planning can be overwhelming. Attorneys use a lot of legalese. The attorneys we work with are very client-centric, and our clients really enjoy working with them – as do we. It’s a very open, honest and easy communication and relationship.

  Some estate plans require hands-on management, with certain actions needed every year. We handle the ongoing responsibilities for our clients – things like ensuring beneficiaries remain aligned with their wishes.

  Ultimately, our role in estate planning is to clarify the complex for our clients.