How to Write an Estate Planning Recommendation Letter
Estate planning is a satisfying area of law for many attorneys. It is non-adversarial, and the lawyer has an opportunity to help a client's last wishes come to fruition. One important aspect of an estate planning practice is the recommendation letter. It should be professional looking and drafted in clear and concise language. A recommendation letter outlines your recommendations for a client's estate.
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Instructions
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Ask the client to fill out an estate planning information worksheet. The worksheet should require the client to provide basic contact information and information about her heirs and beneficiaries. It should ask the client what type of estate plan she is interested in and ask her to provide details about her property, assets and debts.
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Meet with the client and discuss the worksheet and the types of estate planning services you offer. Keep all client information confidential.
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Address the letter to the client. Include your firm's letterhead at the top of the letter. Open the letter by referring to the meeting and by refreshing the client's memory as to what you discussed.
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Discuss your recommendations in the body of the letter. You could start with "Based on your financial situation and from the details you provided at our meeting, I recommend the following:"
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Instruct the client as to what she needs to do next. This could include asking her to contact your office or having her sign a fee agreement included with the letter.
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Tips & Warnings
Estate planning involves providing legal and financial advice with regard to a person's assets and financial position. State laws prevent the unauthorized practice of law. Do not engage in estate planning services if you are not authorized to do so. This article provides general information. It does not offer legal advice.
