https://www.breinerlawllc.com/
Link for scheduling – choose Family Wealth Planning Session and enter MOMSDISHMN where it asks if you have a gift certificate code. This will remove the $750 fee for the session.
Can you share about your background and why you decided to open Breiner Law LLC?
I knew when I was 5 that I wanted to go to law school and I wanted to focus on family law, I really wanted to help people. I wanted to focus on child development and healing of children of divorce and trauma. I had an experience right out of school at a solo practice and there were some things I didn’t like about it and I was very unhappy. Then I moved on to a larger firm. I thought that would make me happier. As I worked my way to partnership I realized this was also not somewhere I wanted to be. I wanted to run a practice with more heart. After I got married, had a baby, and returned to work I realized I couldn’t work at a large firm anymore. I joined a mom’s group after having kids and was always getting asked to help moms and families in the group. I wanted to help lift other women up so they felt supported and confident in the legacy they were leaving for their families. Estate planning is a place to make sure your wishes and values are heard.
When should you start Estate planning?
When you decide to take control, anytime is a great time. You can choose to make sure your wishes are heard or you can let the courts decide.
Owning property, minor children, divorce, or blended families are triggers that indicate you should start thinking about estate planning sooner rather than later.
What can people expect from an initial estate planning consultation? What documents do they need to gather?
I start with a phone conversation to get to know my potential clients and then I schedule a family wealth planning session. This is a 2 hour working session where I educate on the different types of estate planning and documents. Then we work through how the plans function and what they protect. Next, I draft a comprehensive plan. We walk through creating an emergency preparedness plan and guardians.
I encourage people to also think about their values and what they want for their children. What do you want for your kids, do you want them to play an instrument, have a job in high school, how do you want your kids to be raised?
If you have minor children they have to be removed from all life insurance plans, retirement accounts etc. If you have minor children you need a trust and there are a number of types of trusts. The assets get placed in a trust and you choose who you want to manage them and for how long. We are creating a protection plan for your assets from probate and fees and the wrong person getting the money.
An estate plan can include:
Wills
Trust
Financial emergency person
Health care directives
Emergency planning
What are the common reasons that people tend to avoid estate planning and what would you say to put their mind at ease?
People don’t have time, there is so much going on, and it feels overwhelming and scary. To think about not being there for our kids is hard. People also don’t understand the consequences of not having a plan in place. It is better to make your wishes known now then to let the courts decide and have money go to probate/court fees.
How often should you update your Estate Plan?
Most plans should be drafted so they are flexible and grow with you. You can always update and make amendments. If you choose at the time of planning to not include certain things due to budget you can always add items on later. We do a 3 year plan review at no cost for every tier of planning. You are in control, but at least every 3 years. If you keep up with the asset tracking there shouldn’t be much to update every year.
I also review Wills you might have in place to see how it protects you as well.
What sets you apart from other Lawyers and Estate Planning services?
In depth family wealth planning sessions and my hope to get to know you and become your family lawyer that helps put you back in control. I serve from the heart and I make sure my clients have all their bases covered and they think through everything needed for their estate plan and legacy.
How do you set up an appointment?
I have an online scheduler where you can book an initial consult phone call. From there we book a family wealth planning session. This session is $750, but for Momsdishmn listeners this fee is waived. During this session I review your wishes to see how I can best serve you.
If I draft plans, I come to your home or we can meet online via zoom. Everything is set up to be virtual. The idea behind that is there is no childcare needed. I even bring coloring pages and activities for the kids. All of my clients have my personal cell phone number and can text me anytime.