Question 1

Can I just talk to Curry Andrews, Attorney at Law?

Accepted Answer

Mr. Andrews' time is limited and he is no longer available for "quick" calls. When he is retained for a particular matter, communication is generally included.

Personal friends, associates and clients are welcome to call at any time.

(Caution: Mr. Andrews does not have the bandwidth to chat with unsolicited sales, informational  or charity representatives. Any attempt to reach him by pretending to be interested in his services will result in an FCC complaint. Scammers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in an effort to protect the public from their criminal behavior. I have an absolute zero tolerance for those who prey on the inexperienced, unwary, impaired or elderly.)

Question 2

What is "Data-mining" or "D.I.Y." guidance and is asking for it okay with Mr. Andrews?

Accepted Answer

Historically, persons have scheduled a free consultation purportedly because they were interested in having us provide estate planning services...however, the actual purpose of the consultation was to acquire information that would allow those persons to do their own estate planning (I.E. - D.I.Y.). This is totally okay, but requires compensation for the attorney. If a consultation leads to us being hired to provide estate planning services, the cost of the consultation is credited against the estate or business planning fee.

(Caution: Please be careful when attempting to do your own estate or business planning. It is not remotely possible for an attorney to provide all the guidance you might require in a brief consultation. There is no substitution for years of high level education and decades of experience. AI solutions are growing in capability but still have substantial weaknesses where adherence to applicable law and adjustment for individual circumstances are concerned.)

Question 3

What do completed estate plans look like?

Accepted Answer

Completed Estate Plans have the principal documents such as a trust or a will and include all the supplemental documents necessary for administration, etc. For instance, a typical trust package will include introductory materials, guidance on funding, an overview, a list of involved individuals, the trust, a certification and trustee affidavit, funding documents, backup or pour-over wills, financial powers of attorney, healthcare documents including a HIPAA confidential information release, advance healthcare directive or healthcare power of attorney, living will, memorial planning worksheet, personal property memorandum, etc.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/308c83_48c2e395b10441b19b6f860279fffd02~mv2.jpg
The estate planning packages come in a substantial notebook that is designed to last and provide all the elements necessary for your care and your intentions regarding establishment of your legacy.

Question 4

What is included in an estate plan for a Will or a Trust?

Accepted Answer

Last Will and Testament plans include the Will, durable power of attorney (for finances), healthcare documents such as a HIPAA confidential information release, healthcare power of attorney, living will for end of life issues, personal property affidavit, memorial planning, etc. (A Couple's Package includes a complete set of documents for each spouse.) The Trust plans include everything provided with a Will package along with the Trust, certification of trust, trustee affidavit, funding instructions, funding documents including but not limited to assignments of property, assignments of business interests or securities, deeds and any other necessary documents, etc.

The documents are provided in a padded, faux leather notebook with tabs and sheet protectors where needed. (Please see the question just above this one for a picture!)

Question 5

How much does it cost to update or amend my estate plan if something changes?

Accepted Answer

Typically, updates or amendments are included. Major revisions that require a substantial amount of attorney time will require a fee. These sorts of revisions might include a major amendment, substantial amount of funding documentation or a full-restatement of the documents.

Question 6

How much does it cost to have the attorney do a probate or provide trust administration?

Accepted Answer

Probate actions are occasionally undertaken by Curry Andrews Consulting depending on individual circumstances and need.

Trust administration is generally not complex, although there are several steps that must be taken. We will provide an administration guidance letter and checklist so that you can decide whether or not to do it yourself or request attorney assistance through the process. Typical trust administration is substantially easier and less expensive than a probate action if the trust has been properly funded and maintained. In the event a probate or trust administration requires substantial court presence due to conflict, Curry Andrews cannot initiate or remain involved due to time constraints which limit his ability to attend hearing and prepare substantial numbers of pleadings, etc.

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