• Home
  • Our Firm
    • About Our Firm
    • Advantages of Working With Our Firm
    • Attorney and Staff Profiles
    • Communities We Serve
      • Minnesota
        • Bemidji
        • Crookston
        • East Grand Forks
        • Fertile
      • North Dakota
        • Bismarck
        • Devils Lake
        • Fargo
        • Grafton
        • Grand Forks
        • Minot
        • West Fargo
    • Job Opportunities
  • Estate Planning
    • Asset Protection
    • Business Planning
    • Elder Law & Medicaid Services
    • Estate And Gift Tax Figures
    • Estate Planning Services
    • Family-Owned Businesses & Farms
    • Financial Planning Assistance
    • Incapacity Planning
    • Legacy Planning
    • LGBTQ Estate Planning
    • Pet Planning
    • Probate
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Trust Administration
  • Elder Law
    • Are You A Caregiver
    • Conservatorship
    • Coping with Alzheimer’s
    • Hospice Care
    • Life Care Planning Services
    • Medicaid Benefits
    • Nursing Home Planning
    • Veterans Benefits
  • Seminars
  • Resources
    • Client Resources
      • Estate Planning Resources for Farmers
      • Elder Law Resources
        • Bemidji
        • Bismarck Elder Law
        • Fargo Elder Law
        • Grand Forks Elder Law
        • Minot Elder Law
        • Thief River Falls Elder Law
      • Estate Planning Checklist
      • Free Estate Planning Seminars
      • Is Your Estate Plan Outdated?
      • Probate Checklist
      • Probate Resources
        • Bemidji Probate
        • Bismarck Probate
        • Fargo Probate
        • Grand Forks Probate
        • Minot Probate
        • Thief River Falls Probate
      • Top 10 Estate Planning Techniques
    • DocuBank
    • Elder Law Reports
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Asset Protection
      • Business Planning
      • Elder Law
      • Estate Planning
      • Families Without an Estate Plan
      • LGBTQ Estate Planning
      • Medicaid Planning
      • Nursing Home Planning
      • Probate
      • Trusts
      • Trust Administration & Probate
      • Wills
    • Newsletters
    • Professional Resources
    • Published Books
    • Reports
      • Advanced Estate Planning
      • Basic Estate Planning
      • Estate Planning for Niches
      • Trust Administration
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review us
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

WAEstate

Estate Planning & Medicaid Attorneys in Grand Forks , North Dakota

Call us today(800) 774-7576

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkdin

Attend A Free Seminar

How to Begin Your Estate Plan

June 6, 2011Estate Planning

It can be overwhelming and stressful having to think about beginning your estate plan.  Taking the time to think about your goals can help to make the process much easier.

Take a look at the information below for tips on how to begin your planning.  If you have any questions, or if you’re ready to create your estate plan, meet with a qualified estate planning attorney.

  • Make a list of your assets.  You will need to figure out most of your assets and their value.  This will help you determine how the handling of  your assets will be planned for.
  • Make a list of your debts.  In order to create your estate plan, you and your attorney will need to understand your total amount of debt.  This will help you determine the actual value of your estate.
  • Think about the beneficiaries who you wish to receive your assets.  If you have certain loved ones who you want to make sure that you leave an inheritance to, you will need to carefully plan.  Carefully consider all of your loved ones to ensure that you make the right decisions.
  • Consider your loved ones and decide who you would appoint as your trusted helpers.  These trusted helpers will be responsible for helping you with various aspects of your estate plan.  You will need to choose helpers who are responsible, trustworthy, and reliable.
  •  Make a list of your goals.  Are you looking to protect yourself in case of emergencies?  Do you want to make sure that your children are always protected?  Do you want to minimize your estate’s tax responsibilities?  These goals will help you discuss your wants and needs with your attorney.

Take the time to carefully consider the above tips.  Your attorney can help you feel more comfortable about the entire process.  If you have any questions or if you’re ready to start your estate plan, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts

Raymond German, Estate Planning Attorney

Latest posts by Raymond German, Estate Planning Attorney (see all)

  • My Mother Just Passed Away. Now What Do I Need to Do? - December 12, 2019
  • Income Tax Basis in Estate Planning - December 10, 2019
  • 5 Considerations for the First-Time Executor - December 5, 2019

Other Articles You May Find Useful

Make Your Own Plan
Make Your Own Plan
Planning for Special Needs Children
Planning for Special Needs Children
Common Estate Planning Components Explained
Common Estate Planning Components Explained
What Happens If I Die Without a Will?
What Happens If I Die Without a Will?
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 4: Where
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 4: Where
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 3: When
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 3: When

Testimonials

Thank you for taking care of my finances after I am gone. I worried about probate once; hopefully this has been solved. Everyone was very polite and helpful. Thank you Katie for answering my questions, and also Jenn. – Anonymous  
Very Helpful
Everyone at German Law Group was helpful and pleasant. I felt good about my decision, I thought I was doing the right thing for myself & my family. Wayne took his time and didn’t rush, which is good because a lot of this can be over people’s heads.
A.W., Red Lake Falls, MN
This Avvo rating is killer and so deserved! You are the best brother! The only thing is I think the 10 rating is too low, in my book you go to 11! Congratulations on the award, you should be very very proud. See you at your Holiday party, thx for the invite.
Anthony G., Los Angeles, CA
“We were very pleased both times we met. A good feeling to have this done.” – R. & J. F., North Dakota
A Good Feeling
We were wonderfully satisfied. Wayne did an outstanding job of explaining, diagramming and answering questions and concerns. JW & CD, North Dakota
Wonderfully Satisfied
Needed to come in to get specific advice for our needs. The attorney spoke to us in terms we could understand, coming to our level and did not make up feel uncomfortable. They were very considerate and caring. We didn’t feel rushed. We felt like they cared and knew what they were doing. C.P., Minnesota
Considerate and Caring
From phone calls to signing the final documents I was treated with respect, kindness, and understanding by Wayne & Jenn. Every business that wants their business represented well should have someone like Jenn & Wayne. They both made me feel relaxed and assured I was at the right place at the right time at this time in my life. ~ Deborah Rucinksi, North Dakota 
Kindness, Respect and Understanding
“Very professional, covered all, expertise, friendly, peace of mind now.” – Anonymous, North Dakota
Professional
Very helpful. Our children and us are are confident in your group. -Anonymous, Fargo, North Dakota
Confident in the Firm
They were courteous, efficient, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.
  • D.T., Minnesota
Efficient

Subscribe to Our Blog

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FREE ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHEET

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Where We Are

2650 32nd Avenue South, Suite O
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 738-0060
Fax: (701) 738-0064

See Larger Map Get Directions

Office Hours

Monday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Map

german_sidbr_map
  • Speaker Connection
  • Advantages of Working With Our Firm
  • About The American Academy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us

Connect to Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkdin
footer-logo

© 2019 German Law Group
All Right Reseved.

Attorney Advertisement