There are simple things you can do to save time and money when writing your will and planning your estate. Once you have selected a lawyer to assist you, but before you meet with him, think these things:

1. Think about your assets and debts. What assets do you have and where are they located? Are there special things that you want certain people to have before and after you die? Do you own assets in your sole name or jointly with another person? What debts do you have? Are those debts owed only by you or are they jointly owed with another person? Do you have life insurance? Who are the beneficiaries named in your life insurance policies and retirement accounts? Make written lists of this information. Keep the lists with your important files at home and give a copy to your lawyer.

2. Think about an executor for your estate. An executor of an estate is the person responsible for carrying out the directions in your will. She will collect your assets and pay your funeral bill and debts, including any state or federal inheritance or estate tax. She will hire and pay others she needs for advice to do these things. Finally, she will distribute the remaining assets in your estate according to your will. Consider someone whom you trust and has experience with bill paying and record keeping.

3. If you have children under the age of 18 years old, think about a guardian for your children. If you and your children’s other parent die, someone else will need to raise your children. Who do you want that to be? Consider making a list of your choices.

4. If your minor children are named in your will to inherit your estate, think about who will handle the money for them? In Pennsylvania a person is considered a legal adult at age 18 and would be entitled to take control of whatever assets you leave that child. However, you can make provisions in your will to have the assets handled for your children beyond the age of 18. Think about your minor children’s maturity and what you would like the money to be used for, e.g., education. Write down your ideas to share with your lawyer.

5. I will repeat this important point again. Write out your thoughts. Make lists of assets, names and addresses of executors and guardians and give it to your lawyer at the first appointment.

6. When you make the appointment, ask if there is a fee for the initial appointment and what that will be. Some lawyers may charge an hourly rate for that first appointment. If that is the case ask how much your lawyer charges per hour. If you take the time to consider these things and write them down, you will save the time you would otherwise spend having your lawyer ask you these questions and record your answers. This could save 20 minutes or more, which could save you money. For instance, if your lawyer charges $225 per hour for the appointment, those 20 minutes could save you about $75.