OUR ESTATE PLANNING PROCESS

To determine exactly what’s right for you, we have a process. The process is analogous to rounding the bases in a baseball diamond, beginning from home plate. Together, we move only one base at a time, each in sequence. And we don’t move from one base to the next without your knowing what to expect, including what fees will be involved to move to the next base…before you decide to go there.

There are four main steps in our process:

1  INITIAL CONSULTATION

  • One hour maximum
  • Flat fee of $250
  • Get to know each other
  • Look at big picture intentions
  • Review the process
  • Stop; or set next appointment

2  DESIGN MEETING

  • Three hours +/-
  • Flat fee for this meeting (typically)
  • Discuss Client Organizer
  • Educate/explain choices/options
  • Design plan(s) to determine documentation needed
  • Assign fees to documents
  • Stop; or sign fee agreement, pay initial engagement amount, and set next appointment

3  SIGNING SESSION

  • Review format of documents
  • Sign all documents
  • Pay balance of fees due

4  CLIENT CARE PROGRAM

  • Ensure your plan works when needed
  • Annual Essential Program
  • Annual Enhanced Program

Start the process today.
Click below for Instructions for Initial Consultation.

Instructions for Initial Consultation

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Having a previously-acquired simple Will, we thought our “affairs” were in pretty good shape. The identification and explanations of options, at Mitchiner & Small, that comprise a proper estate plan opened our eyes to our need to have a real estate plan. Initially the “legalese” in some of the documents was daunting. Explanations patiently given enabled good understanding of the contents and the necessity of specific legal terms and phrases. We very much appreciate the effort expended to develop our personal estate plan.
DS

Our experience was very professional and comprehensive without sacrificing the ‘warmer’ aspects of kindness and caring. We felt you had a genuine interest in helping us

BB

Professional, legal advice given while recognizing God’s presence in the process.

JCV

Everyone made this entire procedure so easy for me. There were so many details, but everything was so organized. The attention to details far exceeded my expectations. I appreciated the attention to details, as well as the way the process and end products were so personalized for me, with emphasis on my particular needs and desires to have my estate saved. I wanted to be sure my sons will have no difficulties if/when it comes time to use the documents, and I am absolutely confident that things will run smoothly for them. Both Joe and his assistant were so patient, listened to what I said/asked. I was always given exact, detailed answers; and they made sure I understood their answers. Having all of these documents drawn up could have been a very intimidating, daunting process; but the entire procedure was made to be very simple but detailed. I came away feeling confident that nothing was missed, that my wishes will be known and followed, and that things will be as easy as possible for my sons. The Questionnaire is a marvelous idea. It is not only a timesaver but is key to the whole process, especially for personalizing the documents. It really made me think and look at the process from another point of view. It was a pleasure meeting and working with everyone.

SMS

Above everything, preceding our time together with your prayer for direction and God’s will for our financial well-being was so relieving to both Dave and me. The Questionnaire was thought-provoking, and our meeting time as we discussed our direction for estate planning definitely reflected our concerns and priorities. From phone calls to visits, the atmosphere was all so pleasant. Never once did we feel inferior as you addressed everything with us, Joe. Obviously, you are an educated man but also have such a humility about you. We appreciated your ability to break everything down to our understanding, the suggestions and overall experience. We are peaceful now about this area of our lives. Also, thank you for my own personal ‘overview.’ Dave best sums it up, ‘It was an outstanding experience.

DSK and DJK

My husband and I could not be more pleased than we are with our business transactions with Mr. Mitchiner. We consider him to be a man “of total integrity”, which is the way we describe him when others ask us who we had take care of setting up our trusts and were we pleased with all that was done. We answer with a resounding, ‘Yes!’

VdB

What impressed me most was that we had prayer to start with. I trust a God fearing person and I think you are.

HWB

My husband and I could not be more pleased than we are with our business transactions with Mr. Mitchiner. We consider him to be a man “of total integrity”, which is the way we describe him when others ask us who we had take care of setting up our trusts and were we pleased with all that was done. We answer with a resounding, ‘Yes!’

VdB

I know that mother was more than pleased with the manner of professional and thorough explanations of each detail of her business. She was most settled in her heart and assured that her desires would be handled correctly upon her homecoming. I felt resolved that we have finally come full circle and had at least completed her business affairs. Joe, I know you are not looking for praise but just know that in this day it is hard to find the excellence you have displayed. We thank you for your service.

PGW and MAW

I didn’t know what to expect when I asked for help with my Will. Purchasing my first home brings a lot of responsibility, but so does working for a company for ten years. I’m so glad I took this opportunity to get my affairs in order. I feel extremely good about the decisions I’ve made and how my estate will be taken care of upon my death and incapacity. I know my parents are relieved that I took this burden of planning off of them. As my only family right now (not married), they would have been making some very difficult decisions; and with the help of your office, I was able to alleviate that stress. Thank you very much.

DS

Jim was most informative, kind and knowledgeable. He explained everything to us in terms we could understand. Our son who is also an attorney accompanied us and was also very impressed by his compassion and professionalism.

KD

Ethical Disclaimer: Not all clients have provided testimonials, the results are not necessarily representative of results obtained upon every occasion, and a prospective client’s individual facts and circumstances may differ from the matters in which the testimonials are provided.