One of the most beneficial tools for estate planning practices is often the most underutilized: the personal information form. The information collected on this intake form sets the stage for a successful initial client meeting and a fruitful and satisfying long-term relationship between attorney and client. A completed form helps attorneys guage clients’ values, concerns and goals which can guide discussion during an initial consultation and yields optimal asset protection planning.

You probably recommend trusts over wills to many of your estate planning clients because revocable living trust-based estate plans provide a comprehensive solution for many of your clients’ needs. Of course, it’s not necessarily an either/or scenario. Your clients should also use a will to take care of any assets not in their trust and to name a guardian for any minor children.

Your staff is critical to your success whether you’ve recently opened a solo estate planning practice with a part-time assistant or run an established firm with attorneys, paralegals, and administrative support. If you can’t seem to get your legal marketing plan to work effectively or you’re struggling to maintain high levels of client satisfaction, the underlying cause may be your inability to hire and train the right people.