Planning for What Matters Most

Most people who reach out to us about estate planning already know they should have a trust. What they often don't know is what a complete plan looks like, what's actually included, and what happens after the documents are signed.

At Great Oaks, we take the time to walk through every document with you — what it does, why it's there, and how it fits into your overall plan. Our goal is for you to leave with not just a set of signed documents, but a clear understanding of what you've put in place and confidence that your family will be taken care of.

Our Estate Planning Services

We offer two levels of estate planning — each built around a complete set of documents, with the difference being the depth of guidance and ongoing support included.

Standard
The Complete Plan
Our standard estate plan — everything you need, done right.

A comprehensive estate plan with personal guidance to make sure your plan actually works in practice — not just on paper.

Your Documents
  • Revocable Living Trust — avoids probate and provides for the management of your assets during your lifetime and after
  • Pour-Over Will — captures any assets not transferred to your trust and directs them into the trust at death
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Finances — appoints someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated
  • Advance Healthcare Directive — names your healthcare decision-maker, documents your wishes for medical treatment, and includes HIPAA authorization
  • Disposition of Final Remains — records your wishes for burial, cremation, or other arrangements
  • Deed Transfers — we prepare and record all deeds needed to transfer your real property into the trust
Guidance & Support
  • Personalized Funding Consultation — a dedicated session where we review every account and asset you own and walk you through exactly how to complete your trust funding
  • Custom Funding Guide — a written, account-by-account reference specific to your situation to use as a checklist for completing your funding
  • Plain-Language Plan Summary — a one-page overview of your estate plan in everyday language, so a family member could pick it up and understand what's in place
  • 12-Month Check-In — we follow up one year after signing to review any life changes, confirm your funding is complete, and answer questions
Deliverables
  • Professional Estate Plan Binder — your complete plan organized in a high-quality leather binder with labeled, tabbed sections and your name on the spine
Premium
The Legacy Plan
For families who want the highest level of care.

Everything in the Complete Plan, plus additional guidance and tools to make sure your family is truly prepared.

Family Preparation
  • Family Meeting — we sit down with you and your adult children, successor trustee, or other key family members to walk through the plan and answer questions
  • Detailed Asset Inventory — a comprehensive summary of all your accounts, policies, and property, organized so your family can locate and access everything efficiently
  • Letter of Instructions Template — a guided template for the important practical details your legal documents don't cover: where to find things, who to call, and what to do first
Ongoing Access
  • Two Years of Update Coverage — if you sell a home, welcome a grandchild, or experience another significant life change within two years of signing, we update your plan at no additional charge
  • Priority Scheduling — direct access to your attorney and priority appointment scheduling for any questions or concerns during the coverage period

Already Have a Plan? Need Just One Document?

We also handle standalone documents and targeted updates — no full package required.

  • Individual documents — will, power of attorney, or advance healthcare directive
  • Trust amendments & restatements — updates for life changes or outdated provisions
  • Deed transfers into trust — preparing and recording deeds to fund real property
  • Healthcare directive only — standalone document with HIPAA authorization and healthcare agent designation

Who Should Have an Estate Plan?

Estate planning is for anyone with people they care about and assets they've built — not just the wealthy or elderly.

You own a homeWithout a trust, real property passes through probate — a lengthy, public court process your family must navigate.
You have minor childrenA trust lets you name guardians and control when and how children receive assets, rather than leaving those choices to a court.
You have retirement accounts or life insuranceBeneficiary designations can override your will — they need to be coordinated with your overall plan.
You have wishes about medical careA healthcare directive documents those wishes legally and names a decision-maker you trust.

What to Expect Working With Us

Estate planning at Great Oaks follows a clear, unhurried process. We start with a free initial consultation to understand your situation and goals. From there, we prepare a draft plan for your review, walk through every document with you at a signing meeting, and provide ongoing support through the funding process and check-in period.