Scenario

You are a paralegal in the law firm of Days and Lives. Samantha Knight is a good friend and former college roommate of Elizabeth Montgomery, your supervising attorney. Mrs. Knight and her husband Darrin have scheduled a client interview with Ms. Montgomery, regarding their estate planning. The Knights have been married for 25 years and have three children. They operate a lucrative advertising agency. Their current estate plan consists only of reciprocal wills leaving everything to each other and to their children in equal shares if the spouse predeceases. These wills also named guardians for their "minor" children. The Knights believe their estate plans are in desperate need of being updated.

In preparation for her client interview and conference with the Knights, Ms. Montgomery would like you to prepare the client data sheet and office checklists that will be necessary to ascertain how best to advise the clients on what revisions or additions they should make to their current estate planning documents and directives. The data sheet must include a list of at least 25 questions that the attorney will need to ask the clients. The checklist must include a list of the documents that the office will want to have copies of.

1.Compose a client data sheet of at least 25 questions (each question should be numbered) and include a brief explanation of the purpose behind each question.

2.Compose the office checklist pertinent for this client's file, including a list of the documents that the office will want to have copies of. Include a brief explanation of the reason for including these documents.

3.Provide at least three (3) professional sources utilized to assist you preparation of the deliverables, each of which must be properly cited pursuant to The Bluebook.

Estate Planning Checklist

An estate planning checklist is a guide on how to plan an individual's end of life care and their assets if they should become incapacitated or die. By following the checklist, an individual can get an idea of the estate laws in their State and choose which forms suit their personal financial situation best.