Utilizing a checklist to draft your client's estate plan during the initial appointment allows a two appointment turnaround, with the estate plan signed and trusts funded on the second appointment. This efficient procedure benefits attorneys and clients. Costs are controlled and everyone's time is respected, while achieving completely custom, personal, comprehensive service and estate plans. The checklist allows focus to be on listening to the client and on drafting the plan to achieve this client's individual goals. The second appointment is a continuation of this personal approach including education and 'space' for the client to review the completed plan while watching an informational video, followed by a personal client-centered meeting to cover all details of the plan and to provide guidance and materials so the client understands the plan and the funding process. The client completes the appointment with an estate plan that meets the client's individual needs and that the client understands. The client is well equipped to complete any remaining steps needed to fund the trust, and understands the process so the trust will continue to be funded. Using the Cowles Estate Organizer Binder wraps the estate plan in a nice package, and provides organized, helpful information to the client.

Cowles Estate Organizer Binders convert an intangible service into a tangible, personalized product which is less intimidating and is perceived as a more valuable investment than a plan simply comprised of the documents themselves. Clients show their Estate Organizer to other advisors and to their friends and relatives, and tell them about your superior service, which creates a continuous referral source for your practice. The Cowles Estate Organizer Binder provides convenient and valuable information to the client, acts as an overall reference to the estate plan, and minimizes your potential liability since a standard written procedure exists for informing clients of important details.

The three-ring binder format holds copies of the estate plan, to minimize the amount of loose paper in the appointment when documents are signed, while allowing for pages to be replaced if revisions or additions are made. The Binder is used in conjunction with the Personal Tour Through Asset Transfers DVD included with your Trust Plus system, which reviews all information contained in the binder, refreshes the client regarding the benefits of the estate plan, and discusses the funding process when a revocable living trust is utilized as part of the estate plan.

These binders contain copies of the client's customized estate plan, explanations of all estate planning documents, information on maintaining the trust (buying/selling assets, making changes), an overview of steps in the event of death, instructions for funding the trust using the letters and documents prepared by the law office, and areas for the client to insert personal information regarding assets, wishes for memorial services, and personal thoughts and wishes. If a client or the client's family have questions, they may find answers in the Estate Organizer, or they may call your office - in which case answers may be given, along with a reference to the Binder so the client has access to a written answer. The Organizer contains answers to the most commonly asked questions, so can also be utilized in training your staff. Overall, the Cowles Estate Organizer Binder has proven itself to be a valuable tool in building value and enhancing client service, as well as the foundation for a great referral network for you.